Twenty-five Indonesian fashion industry leading lights are attending the first Australia Awards’ short course for the fashion and textiles sector, run by QUT’s School of Fashion, this week.
The business-focussed #fashiondiplomacy program kicks off in Brisbane for a week of tours and lectures on the international fashion industry followed by a second week in Sydney coinciding with Australia Fashion Week.
The short course is designed to build cultural and business-to-business links in fashion and textiles between Australia and Indonesia, says QUT School of Fashion lecturer Carla van Lunn who is leading the program.
“The 25 participants in the course are designers and owners of some significant businesses in Indonesia,” Ms van Lunn said.
“The two-week course aims to spearhead a ‘Bondi Bali’ connection as Australia and Indonesia both enjoy warm weather, plenty of coastline and creativity to tap into the global resort fashion market.
“Indonesia’s rich textile tradition and industry has enormous international market potential.
“It will be full of industry visits and mentoring. Industry guests include Gail Sorronda, Lydia Pearson, Romance was Born and successful Sydney-based Indonesian designer Haryono Setiadi.
“QUT will host a trade seminar with high-profile panellists including Lydia Pearson, Haryono Setiadi and Cynthia Balogh - Women in Global Business leader, in Sydney, Thursday, May 19, supported by the Australian Fashion Chamber.”
This course is funded by the Australia Awards, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade initiative, part of the cultural and fashion diplomacy strategy.
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT Media, 07 3138 2999
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
