AFW 2025: Reporter’s ‘diabolical’ money question stuns influencer

A popular social media star with over 2 million followers has seen red after being asked an “inappropriate” question at Australian Fashion Week.

A popular Australian influencer has unleashed after being asked a “diabolical” question about how much she earns while attending Australian Fashion Week.

Sophia Begg, best known as Sopha Dophaa on social media, has taken aim at several issues with the annual fashion event, which is being led by the Australian Fashion Council for the first time this year after long-running partner IMG pulled out after 20 years.

The social media star, who has over 2 million followers across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, just shared a scathing video after attending a string of 2025 AFW shows.

In her lengthy rant, which runs for almost 8 minutes, Begg has taken aim at a journalist who quizzed her about her earnings and called out another influencer for commenting on her personal style.

The 21-year-old Sydneysider also alleged the new organisers had stuffed up the week-long event with its redesign, describing it as a “total s**t show”.

‘Diabolical’ money question

Begg said she was left “uncomfortable” after being asked how much money she makes as an influencer when she stopped to talk to a reporter outside of Sydney’s Carriageworks, where AFW is held every year.

“I always say ‘yes’ to the interviews because it’s a bit of fun, is part of the experience and is good for exposure,” she explained in the clip while also applying make-up.

“But a couple of questions I have been asked have been diabolical … some I feel were not appropriate.”

Begg, who recently launched her own activewear label All For Mimi, went on to state that the most inappropriate question was about her income, saying she felt like it was designed to “catch me out”.

“I was asked how much I get paid and what the biggest brand deal was that I’ve turned down,” she continued.

“They wanted to know what the brand was and how much the deal was worth but there’s no way in hell I’m going to answer that.

“I’ve been raised that you just don’t ask people about money … you don’t ask people how much they make, but I feel like creators are just expected to talk about it to be transparent – but I just got really uncomfortable and I was shocked.”

Sophia Begg, a popular Sydney influencer, has taken aim at several issues after attending Australian Fashion Week 2025. Picture: Matrix

She was furious after being asked a ‘diabolical’ question about how much she earns. Picture: TikTok

Begg went on to say that if the video is ever shared, you would be able to see she was “stressed”, adding she was “freaking out” after the infamously “awkward” moment she was interviewed by Tony Armstrong at the 2023 TikTok Creator of the Year Awards and she told the TV host to “stop flirting with me”.

“When you’re on the spot you say stupid stuff,” she explained. “So I was just like, f**k, don’t be stupid. But we shouldn’t be putting people in that position at all.”

‘Calls out’ influencer who shamed her outfit

Begg then moved on to an interview where her outfit was shamed by another creator, labelling the move “toxic” and slamming the influencer for turning on her.

The incident occurred when several AFC Australian Fashion Week attendees were asked: “Who is the biggest micro trend final boss?”

For those born before 1997 who are struggling to understand the question (me too), the term “micro trend final boss” is used by Gen Z to describe an individual or outfit who regularly embraces short-lived fashion trends.

Often it is used to refer to someone who consumes fast-fashion, which is widely perceived to be a negative trait by the younger generations.

“You can see [in the video] almost everyone is uncomfortable and doesn’t want to answer that,” Begg claimed.

“Why are you even asking that? We are at Australian Fashion Week, lets talk about fashion … I wouldn’t be asking whose fashion sucks.

“You’re pretty much asking people to name a creator and call them out. That’s just not it. The Australian influencer scene is already so toxic.”

She also said it breeds a culture of “bringing others down” and revealed she was “named by someone who wore Shein” in the video, which has since been deleted after facing backlash.

AFW 2025 is a ‘s**t show’

Begg concluded by stating it wasn’t just the pre-runaway antics that were disappointing, claiming the event had been poorly managed and was a “total s**t show”.

Other creators were quick to agree with Begg in the comments section of the video, which has been viewed almost 300,000 times at the time of publication.

Jack Cooper, who is known for his funny videos, said he “100 per cent” agreed.

“I THOUGHT THIS TOO!!! Like, it’s got this whole like mean/toxic vibe,” he wrote.

“The micro trend final boss video was awful, I felt uncomfy watching it,” another noted.

While one said: “Why are the trying to make creators cancelled for their answers or start war between creators. It’s disgusting.”

The popular influencer, who has 2 million followers, also wasn’t happy about another creator’s remarks on her outfit. Picture: Matrix

The 21-year-old isn’t the only creator to claim AFW has been a ‘disaster’ this year. Picture: Matrix

Despite her comments, Begg still attended Thursdays events. Picture: Matrix

Begg isn’t the only creator who has aired their frustrations at the annual event this year.

Mulan, a sustainable fashion content creator, called out an “overall lack of diversity in types of people being invited” to the event.

“Australian Fashion Week please do better,” she captioned a clip which advocated for better representation for minority groups.

While Perth influencer Sonali Fernando, who regularly posts about issues for people of colour in the fashion industry, described the 2025 event as “a disaster”.

Kellie Hush, CEO at AFC Australian Fashion Week told news.com.au it “takes on any criticism regarding Australian Fashion week 2025” but added she thought “some of the comments are inaccurate”.

“Firstly, we cannot control vox pops and every individual has a right to not answer,” she stressed.

“There is a live stream and there is great diversity across the week. We have a number of indigenous designers showing throughout the week, including Liandra, Joseph & James and Ngali, along with two First Nation designers in the New Generation show on Friday.

“AFW support every stage of Australian fashion businesses, that includes new brands, emerging brands and established brands and if you look closely at the schedule this week we have representation across diversity and inclusion in every area”.

Despite her gripes, Begg still attended AFW events on Thursday, wearing a slinky silver dress and posing for photographers outside of the venue.

On Tuesday, she attended wearing a lime green crop top and matching skirt.

Originally published as AFW 2025: Reporter’s ‘diabolical’ money question stuns influencer