Fashions of Multicultural Australia

Fashions of Multicultural Australia returns to celebrate diversity through fashion

Fashions of Multicultural Australia (FOMA) is returning following its debut last year, to continue celebrating Australia's diverse cultural landscape through fashion on Friday 1 March in Sydney.

FOMA is a national initiative supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia Korea Foundation, which aims to foster social cohesion and further strengthen bi-lateral trade between participating nations through fashion and cultural diplomacy. The event will showcase 15 designers and 30 of the world's different cultures that make up multicultural Australia.

The free daytime exhibition is a hands-on and multisensory display and celebration of the different cultures participating in FOMA. Attendees will have opportunities to engage directly with the designers and Foreign Embassies - showcasing South Korea, Russia, Chile, India, Ireland and many more. Throughout the day, attendees will be able to experience traditions and customs, such as wearing traditional clothing to food tastings – including a fashion exhibit, creating a unique and engaging experience.

Following the exhibition will be an evening runway event to showcase a range of cultural pieces, both traditional and contemporary, reflecting the fashion trends of each nation represented.

Founder of Gandhi Creations and FOMA, Sonia Sadiq Gandhi, says that the exhibition and runway show is an opportunity to celebrate Australia's multiculturalism as well as promote social cohesion nationally and internationally.

"Fashions of Multicultural Australia is a unique and new national initiative which fosters social cohesion, cultural relations and appreciation through fashion. The exhibition and show are a platform to showcase the talent of Indigenous, international and refugee designers," said Ms Gandhi.

"Breaking down the stereotype of what you wear is where you come from, which makes the exhibition and show such an important opportunity to reflect on the fashions of the world and help develop a public appreciation for different cultures. The diversity of the showcase does not just extend to our designers, it also extends out on our runway with model participation of a Paralympian in our showcase."

Every year, FOMA coordinates the event with an In-Country Partner (Republic of Korea for 2019) where that country's culture and fashion is highlighted throughout the platform. This partnership accommodates the inclusion of two South Korean designers into the FOMA program as a means of highlighting South Korean fashion through the Runway Show and Exhibit.

Register for the free exhibition at https://www.fomaustralia.com.au/exhibition
Purchase a $30 ticket for the runway show at https://www.outix.co/tickets/event/143146-8834768763