Perth’s fashion calendar is undergoing a renaissance.
In the last few years, we’ve seen an increasing number of young designers starting their own labels, with a strong focus on ‘slow fashion’. Designers are finding it easier to get started thanks to ecommerce become widely embraced and tools like Shopify making it extremely easy to set up an online shopfront that’s readyt o go in almost minutes.
But what is slow fashion and fast fashion?
The next big event on the fashion calendar is the Circular Fashion Festival. A fashion event that focuses on sustainability and the circular economy. There’ll be everything from the usual runways showcasing new designs from local labels to workshops that help you be more conscious with your fashion buying.
Co-founder and circular stylist Hazel Law said the idea grew from the momentum of the Stop Shein pop-up petition, which attracted thousands of signatures last year. “We recognised the need for a dedicated space for Perth’s circular fashion community to connect, shine, and grow,” she said. “We’re so excited to celebrate the talent of WA’s designers, stylists, models and creatives, and to prove that sustainability and style can absolutely go hand in hand.”
The Circular Fashion Festival will take over Yagan Square next weekend, on Friday, October 10th, and Saturday, October 11th, with a free program designed to inspire new ways of thinking about style.
Fashion runways
The beating heart of every fashion festival is the runway program. This event features five headline shows, each offering a distinct perspective on sustainable style. Each will be held at the Yagan Square Amphitheatre.
| Circular Innovation Runway | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Friday, October 10th |
| Forget Fast Fashion Runway | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Friday, October 10th |
| Re-Form Wearable Art Runway | 11:30 am to 12:30 pm | Saturday, October 11th |
| Conscious Couture Runway | 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm | Saturday, October 11th |
| Future Heritage Runway presented by So Perth | 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm | Saturday, October 11th |
A program of workshops and activations
While the runways take centre stage, there’s a lot more to the Circular Fashion Festival. There’s a series of workshops, activations, Q&As, and everything in between.
The full event program can be found here, but here are some of our top picks:
Circular in the City Trail
Hunt for your next pre-loved treasure across eight unique shops (clothing, decor, and books). Scan the QR code at participating retailers to measure your positive impact and enter the Circular Fashion Festival competition.
Forget Fast Fashion Q&A with Emma Edwards: The Broke Generation
Emma Edwards is a financial behaviour expert and two-time author, specialising in the softer skills of money. Emma recently challenged herself to go an entire year without buying any clothes and wrote a book about the ways we’re conditioned to consume and what happens when we break free.
Circular Markets
Explore over 25 incredible circular stallholders at the Circular Markets, curated by the legends at Down to Earth. From stunning vintage treasures to unique pre-loved fashion, discover pieces that are stylish, sustainable, and ready for a second life. Shop consciously, support local, and find your next wardrobe gem.
Great Global Mend and Q&A with Sophie Drying, FabPatchAu
Live on stage, we get to hear Sophie Drying from FabPatch share her journey in creating sustainable fashion solutions. Discover how FabPatch transforms textile waste into wearable art, the challenges and rewards of circular design, and her insider tips on making conscious fashion choices both stylish and impactful.
Add that with an attempt at a world record, and it’ll be an entertaining morning!
In Conversation hosted by Cirqular | Normalising Circular Fashion
Join Anastasia Gazis (To the Power of You), Dr Genevieve Hohnen (The Volte), and Lisa Piller (Design Steward) for Normalising Circular Fashion. Hear from these industry leaders as they share insights, strategies, and innovations driving sustainable fashion, from community hubs to luxury rental models and circular design practices shaping the future.
Where and when
The Circular Fashion Festival will take place on October 10th and 11th at Yagan Square. It’s free to attend, and more information, including the full program, can be found here.
