NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner today welcomed the announcement of new strategic initiatives for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia including a new venue, industry partnership and dates.

The announcement was made at Carriageworks, Sydney’s contemporary arts and cultural hub which will serve as the event’s new home from next year. In 2013, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia will take place earlier than in the past, from April 8 to April 12, and the event will include an on-site business to business sales platform, PREMIERE, the leading trade event for boutique brands.

“This announcement begins a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia,” Mr Stoner said.

“It showcases IMG Fashion’s ongoing commitment to providing the Australian fashion industry with exciting new business opportunities and a platform that seamlessly connects designers with buyers, press and consumers.

“The move to Carriageworks is the culmination of extensive research and a working partnership between the NSW Government, through Destination NSW, IMG Fashion and Carriageworks itself.

“The integration of a trade show element such as Premiere is an exciting extension to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia that will have a positive economic impact for the event and for Sydney, the home of Australia’s creative industries.

“With fashion shows taking place at the new venue and off-site locations around our Harbour City in 2013, Sydney’s cosmopolitan lifestyle, rich cultural offering and natural beauty will once again be showcased to visiting interstate and international media and buyers.

“The NSW Government is a major supporter of the NSW fashion industry and the creative industries more broadly. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is a key event on the NSW Events Calendar, developed by Destination NSW.

“Thirty-seven per cent of Australia’s creative industries are based in NSW, with around 170,000 people across the State directly employed in areas such as film, music, design and fashion.