The longest jetty in the southern hemisphere (and the second longest in the world) will be transformed into what is hoped will be the world’s longest catwalk this November, to become the centrepiece of Australia’s biggest-ever sustainable fashion festival.
Busselton Jetty, at the heart of Western Australia’s famous South West region, will play host to spectacular fashion shows during the month-long Sustainable Fashion Festival 24, which will showcase the latest in ecofriendly, ethical, and sustainable fashion from designers across the globe.
Presented by Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA), this ground-breaking event promises to transform the Australian fashion landscape and redefine the industry.
2024 will be the fourth time the international festival of fashion arts has taken place. It will bring together fashion enthusiasts, designers and sustainability advocates from Australia and around the world in a packed programme of events, set against the stunning backdrop of WA’s South West region in Busselton and Perth. Some of the events festival-goers can expect to see include:
Opening parade
● Catwalk shows
● Artist talks and workshops
● Fashion art exhibitions
● Textile art exhibition
● Pop-up shops
● Upcycling challenge
● Seminars
● Community sustainable fashion and art exhibitions
● Clothes swap and repair café
● Live music
● Dance
● Theatre
Festival Director Zuhal Kuvan Mills says the festival will provide a global stage for designers to present fashion in the new age of the Anthropocene, a term used to describe an epoch shaped by the impact of human activity on climate change.
“It’s been estimated that 92 million tonnes of textile waste goes into landfill around the world every year,” says Zuhal. “Cheap fast fashion means people are wearing many of their clothes just a few times before throwing them out.
“That comes with a huge cost for the environment and we urgently need to find ways to make fashion more sustainable.
“The Sustainable Fashion Festival 24 will present ‘Closet of the Anthropocene’ to showcase the collections of more than 80 international and Australian designers who source sustainable materials and textiles to create unique pieces,’ Zuhal says.
“The stunning locales of Busselton and Perth will serve as an ideal canvas to showcase the transformative power of sustainable fashion.”
Preparations for the festival are in full swing, with community groups, youth and seniors centres already taking part in workshops exploring different aspects of sustainable fashion.
“By curating an immersive experience that seamlessly merges the beauty of nature with cutting-edge sustainable designs, EFWA aims to inspire and engage a global audience in the conversation about ethical and eco-friendly fashion practices,” says Zuhal.
“Beyond the runway, the Sustainable Fashion Festival 2024 offers a rich tapestry of experiences. As well as sustainable fashion workshops, members of the public can attend insightful artist talks and explore exhibitions that delve into the intersection of sustainable design and environmental stewardship.
“EFWA invites everyone to join the movement, celebrate sustainable fashion, and be a part of the positive change that the fashion industry needs,” she says.
“We ‘re so excited to be bringing this amazing event to life and Busselton Jetty is the perfect location to kick off the festival. We’re looking forward to people from all over Australia and the world joining us on a sustainable fashion journey. Everyone, no matter what their age, background or fashion sense can get involved! Find out more about what’s on at out website at www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com.”