The Australian Fashion Foundation Hosts Annual Summer Soirée in New York City
WORDS BY,
CLAUDIO CALDEIRA
In the heart of Manhattan's downtown district,
a distinguished assembly of Australian and New York's fashion enthusiasts united for a special occasion: the Australian Fashion Foundation's 15th Annual Summer Party.
3 MINS READ TIME
The scene, hosted with flair by the effervescent Laura Brown and the debonair Malcolm Carfrae, unfolded atop the JIMMY rooftop. In this place, style met skyline, and creativity mingled with camaraderie.
At the heart of this soirée is the Australian Fashion Foundation (AUSFF). This non-profit organization annually bestows two coveted USD 20,000 scholarships alongside internships at esteemed New York City fashion powerhouses upon the rising stars of Australian fashion. As the sun dipped below the cityscape, the evening's luminaries raised their glasses to the creative synergy nurtured by AUSFF.
The festivities bore the imprints of AUSFF's steadfast philanthropic partners: the American Australian Association and The Next Generation, whose vital roles in cultivating emerging fashion brilliance were duly acknowledged. Gratitude was also extended to Wölffer Estate, whose support painted the evening with an additional layer of elegance.
Photo: Ben Rosser/BFA.com
9/14
Zachary Weiss Attends The Australian Fashion Foundation Annual Summer Soirée in New York City on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
Photo: Ben Rosser/BFA.com
10/14
Marcus Teo and Peter Som Attend The Australian Fashion Foundation Annual Summer Soirée in New York City on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
In this sunkissed congregation, the 2021 Scholarship Winner, Mikayla Hogg, mingled with cultural polymath Athena Calderone, an author, interior designer, and chef. Their clinks of glasses resonated with a sense of accomplishment as Hogg's AUSFF internship journey found a gracious culmination with the EyeSwoon Founder.
Fashion royalty graced the soirée, with the presence of Oscar de la Renta and Monse Co-Creative Directors Fernando Garcia & Laura Kim. The evening held significance for them, having witnessed the transformative internships that have propelled talent like Domenic Roylance and the forthcoming Michelle Li through the AUSFF's support.
The night's fabric was woven with the threads of iconic Australian designers. Dion Lee and ZIMMERMANN made their presence felt as their latest Fall 2023 collections adorned notable attendees, radiating the distinct spirit of Antipodean creativity.
In the words of Malcolm Carfrae, Co-Founder of AUSFF, the summer party was not just an event but a cherished reunion of the Australian and American fashion communities in the bustling heart of New York City. The American Australian Association and The Next Generation, led by Nick & Gabi Molnar, stood as pillars of possibility, bridging the gap between the vibrant Australian fashion realm and the towering citadels of the US fashion industry. With hearts full of gratitude, the celebration affirmed its dedication to nurturing the luminous potential of Australia's fashion luminaries and fortifying the bonds that weave the transcontinental tapestry of style."
Photo: Ben Rosser/BFA.com
11/14
Aweng Chuol Attends The Australian Fashion Foundation Annual Summer Soirée in New York City on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
Photo: Ben Rosser/BFA.com
12/14
Patrick Janelle Attends The Australian Fashion Foundation Annual Summer Soirée in New York City on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
Photo: Ben Rosser/BFA.com
13/14
Fatou Jobe, Awa Mafany, and Minnie Warren Attend The Australian Fashion Foundation Annual Summer Soirée in New York City on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
Photo: Ben Rosser/BFA.com
14/14
Nick Stone and Alexandra Stone Attend The Australian Fashion Foundation Annual Summer Soirée in New York City on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.