Fashion week goes inner city

THE glittering Harbour backdrop is out and once-rough Redfern is in as organisers of the country's premier runway event is moving.

THE glittering Sydney Harbour backdrop is out and once-rough Redfern is in as organisers of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia yesterday announced the country's premier runway event is moving from the Overseas Passenger Terminal to the Carriageworks performance space next year.

After months of discussions with designers, following complaints about the five-day festival for trade and media being held too late for international buyers, organisers IMG Fashion will start two weeks earlier on April 8.

"There is greater potential for the event to grow in the Carriageworks space," said Peter Levy, IMG Fashion's managing director. "We're thrilled with the outcome now," said Graeme Lewsey, chief executive of LMFF, describing it as "a positive result for the whole industry".

It is unlikely the change of venue and modest shift in dates will entice back designers such as sass & bide, Willow and Dion Lee, who have all enjoyed a strong response to shows at London Fashion Week. Josh Goot and swimwear stalwart Zimmermann are giving increased attention to the US market.

The new venue will also house the Premiere trade show during the festival period.