Image Credit: Tiff Manuell

IN THE 1980s, Senator John Button, when he was federal industry minister, made a brave and tough decision to reform Australia’s textile, clothing and footwear industry.

In the face of trenchant opposition from the union movement and industry, his argument was as simple as: “Leave the production of jocks and socks to others – Australia should focus on its competitive advantage, and that’s in the high-end fashion market”.

The Adelaide Fashion Festival, to be held from October 19-23, proves beyond doubt the merits of Button’s argument.

The festival will see 30 South Australian designers showcasing their creativity in a series of events over five days, on 10 designer runways, through 20 events.
 
The local talent is also making its mark offshore, with several significant breakthroughs including fashion label Paolo Sebastian becoming the first SA designer to show a collection in Paris, arguably the home of fashion, in July.

Adelaide artist and designer Tiff Manuell’s hand-painted purses and totes also made their maiden appearance in the Terrace Shop of the Tate Modern Gallery in London in July. An initial consignment of 300 sold out within weeks and was followed by a second order four times bigger than the first.

The exposure South Australian designers have received overseas has also been boosted through local designers joining recent SA government-led trade delegations to India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Manufacturers in India are said to have shown particular interest and are prepared to make the relatively short runs found in top fashion ranges.

The Adelaide Fashion Festival will also continue to expand overseas relationships, with a Connecting China workshop on the program featuring the managing director of China Blueprint, Lisa Goodhand, and the creative director of Australian Fashion Labels, Melanie Flintoft.

An international success story, Australian Fashion Labels is helping train the next generation of designers by offering vocational placements for graduates from TAFE’s fashion course, with 60 having gained invaluable insights into the industry to date.

This is an industry that may be a niche market and relatively small compared with the traditional economic contributors in our agricultural-horticultural, manufacturing and service sectors.

However, the fashion industry is growing. It’s having an impact and, if you will excuse the pun, is making a significant contribution to the economic and cultural fabric of our state.

We applaud its contribution and salute the achievements of those designers who will showcase their work at the Adelaide Fashion Festival. We look forward to many more creative and talented individuals following in their footsteps.

In time, we may even see manufacturers producing clothing and accessories of the highest quality right here in Adelaide. At that point, John Button’s vision really will be a reality.