Peek inside the walls of Soho House Ludlow, where Australian fashion took centre stage in New York City once more. For three heart-filled days, this iconic Lower East Side setting transformed into a busy yet considered showcase of design, discovery, and dialogue. By invitation only, it drew together a vibrant community of Australian ex-pats and fashion insiders alike in a curated space for designers to dream beyond their home soil - to bring conversation, connection, and a side of champagne to what Australian design has to offer in city that never sleeps.
Launching on one of the busiest nights in the New York Fashion Week calendar September 12, 2025, sharing the night with Calvin Klein's Fall 2026 show and Christian Siriano's September runway, the city streets were more alive than ever.
Featuring both established and emerging Australian designers, guests were spoilt for choice with names such as Lee Mathews, MANNING CARTELL, Olivia Bond, ROMY, Common Hours, Helen Kaminski, Innes Lauren, Edward Meller and SWF Boutique, a strong sense of brand identity was evident from the outset. Beyond the racks of ready-to-wear pieces, the Trunk Show unveiled an array of unreleased and exclusive collections, including a preview of MANNING CARTELL’s 20th Anniversary collection and a first look at ROMY’s upcoming Resort collection, which quickly became a sell-out favourite. Set within an atmosphere of conversation and creativity, it offered an intimate space to browse, discover what’s next, and foster meaningful connections between customer and designer.
Morayawilson and Lea Lukek wearing Common Hours
Kelly Atkinson (WeWearAustralian founder) and stylist Freddie Fredricks in Common Hours.
Friday Night at Soho House
It was a night of introductions and reunions. Australian designers meeting at New York’s Soho House, in a room that felt both exclusive and grounded. Global and local faces filled the room, welcoming in the weekend on one of the busiest nights of the New York Fashion Week September calendar.
Timber floors underfoot, amber low lighting, and the smell of Australian Eucalyptus set the tone for the evening as a hum of creative energy moved through the space, with stylists, models, and editors weaving conversations across the room.
Among the faces that shaped the night were WeWearAustralian friends Dougie Joseph, and Georgina Burke, along with actress Lucy Fry, and model Megan Blake-Irwin. Alongside were WeWearAustralian designers and creatives including Emma Petterwood of ROMY, Lee of Lee Mathews, and Yael Star of Edward Meller.
Model Rachel Waller and celebrity stylist jess_pecoraro wearing Common Hours
Emma Petterwood (ROMY founder) and Meganblakeirwin wearing ROMY.
“It was such an inspiring couple of days in New York for the WeWearAustralian Trunk Show. The energy and love for Australian designers was palpable, and it was so exciting to see the appetite for our creativity in the US. ” Emma Petterwood, Designer and Founder of ROMY.
Bringing industry names back down to earth, guests met the minds behind the brands - founders, creatives, and directors who have shaped the language of modern Australian fashion, united by a shared purpose. Each collection offered its own reflection of home soil: considered tailoring, refined resortwear, effortless silhouettes and accessories crafted for longevity. Designers spoke not just of trends, but of process, hand-finishing, small-batch production, the sustainability of intention. It was less about display and more about dialogue, an exchange between makers and an audience genuinely curious about their story.
A Weekend of Connection
From opening night, right through to the final appointment, the Trunk Show was more than just an event, it was a monumental moment from Australian Designers in the US. Between designers and buyers, between Australia and the world, between creativity and commerce, the light of the hard work shined through. With representation from leading U.S. retailers and media coverage from the Australian Financial Review, the weekend affirmed what we already know; there is a growing global appetite for Australian design, built on authenticity, craftsmanship, and heart.
The Standout Piece
Among all pieces, one emerged as a clear favourite: the Hattie Jacket. Its refined silhouette and subtle sheen fabric drew the attention of both stylists and shoppers, a design that balanced strength with softness, and structure with ease. Styled most often over denim or silk, its versatility captured Australians’ understated confidence.
Shop the Hattie Jacket and all New York Trunk Show exclusives till October 3, 2025.
Until Next Time...
As the final light streamed through the Ludlow House windows, the room seemed to exhale, a gentle pause to reflect on three golden days of Australian design in the heart of New York.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in New York. Until next time, we’ll be carrying this moment forward, a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of Australian design.