Australians revealed as world’s biggest fashion consumers, taking over the United States in clothing, shoes and bags according to research from the Australia Institute.
Most of this ends up in landfill. Luckily, there’s a growing trend towards local and sustainable fashion.
In particular, Western Australian fashion designers are at a crossroads, battling social media algorithms and corporate giants like David Jones and The Iconic.
Local talent is often overlooked in favour of bigger, louder brands. Social Australia Fashion Events (SAFE) is stepping in to rewrite the story.
SAFE’s upcoming event, ‘OLD MONEY ESTATE,’ will take place in early February and promises to challenge perceptions about WA’s fashion scene and support this consumer movement.
This annual event has grown into a community of creatives, holding space for young designers and nurturing them into the industry. SAFE builds relationships between designers, models, agencies and recruiters.

Australians have a ‘fair go’ ethos and supports local businesses till the very end. So, why do we see this loyalty often stop short at fashion?
WA designers face stiff competition not just from global brands but from a consumer mindset that doesn’t always prioritise local talent.
For years, WA’s most promising designers have believed that success is nestled into the suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne. Social Australia Fashion Events wants talent to be seen and recognised, right here on home soil.
SAFE’s Old Money Estate – Sunday, February 09, 2025 – Cottesloe Civic Centre Napier St, Cottesloe – Time: 5pm–7pm Details – socialausfashionevents.com