Fabrics of Modern Australia (FOMA) Week 2024 once again dazzled with a vibrant fusion of fashion, culture, and international trade. This year’s week-long showcase was an expansive celebration, reviving the rich cultural heritage of First Nations designers and international innovators, alongside modern creations from Australia’s diverse design community. Held at various locations across New South Wales, FOMA’s impressive line-up featured runway shows, exhibitions, and exclusive industry events, reinforcing its role as a platform where creativity meets commerce.
At the heart of FOMA Week was the FOMA Runway and Exhibition, an event that drew fashion enthusiasts, industry experts, and diplomats. This standalone event showcased the collections of both established and emerging designers from Australia and abroad, who brought modern Australian fabrics to life on the runway.
The FOMA runway featured a breathtaking display of cultural diversity and innovative design, with collections that merged traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Designers from around the world, including those representing First Nations and diverse Australian communities, showcased their craftsmanship through garments that reflected both heritage and contemporary creativity. Each piece on the runway told a unique story, symbolizing the rich cultural tapestry of Australia and its global connections.
The Faces of FOMA program, showcased over 40 nationalities on the runway where Asian, American, and European cultures converged.
The Consulate General of India Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre collaborated with FOMA to celebrate the rich and vibrant tapestry of Indian textiles in partnership with 5 Pleats by Poornima Menon.
The Embassies of Bhutan, Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Kosovo and Uruguay and the Fiji Consulate General and Trade Commission Australia and New Zealand were also FOMA-in Country Partners this year.
The accompanying exhibition offered attendees a closer look at the intricate details of the garments, allowing them to explore the narratives behind each collection. Visitors could engage with the textiles, learning more about the designers’ creative processes and their commitment to sustainable and ethical fashion. This exhibition highlighted the core values of FOMA: sustainability, innovation, and cultural appreciation.
The FOMA runway wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was also a platform for business, with buyers, trade representatives, and foreign delegations in attendance. The event provided designers with unparalleled exposure, opening doors to international markets and trade partnerships. Several designers secured interest from global retailers, further establishing FOMA as a critical event for Australia’s creative industries and international trade relations.
Sonia Sadiq Gandhi, founder of FOMA and Gandhi Creations, reflected on the success of the runway, saying, “The FOMA Runway is where art meets business. It’s an opportunity for our designers to showcase their work on a global stage while also forging connections that will take Australian fashion to new heights.”
In addition to the FOMA Runway and Exhibition, the week was filled with other notable events, such as the “Threads of Identity” exhibition at SXSW Sydney, the FOMA x Powerhouse Castle Hill “Back of House” Tour, and the festival’s involvement in the Premier’s NSW Export Awards 2024. Through these diverse events, FOMA continued to merge creativity and commerce, elevating Australia’s role in the global fashion industry.
Fabrics of Modern Australia (FOMA) is an annual event celebrating the creative talents of designers working with modern Australian fabrics. Through runway shows, exhibitions, and trade discussions, FOMA serves as a platform for cultural exchange and international commerce, promoting Australia’s diverse design landscape
