Vogue Forces of Fashion to head to Australia for the first time

Vogue Australia will bring its global fashion conversation series to Sydney in early 2026, with a half-day summit at the Sydney Opera House.

The announcement:

Vogue Australia today announced it will bring Vogue Forces of Fashion to Australia for the first time in early 2026. The global conversation series, launched by Condé Nast global chief content officer Anna Wintour in 2017, brings together the most influential voices defining fashion and culture. The event will take place in Sydney on Friday 13 February, presented with the Sydney Opera House.

Some of the biggest names in fashion, leaders in design and cultural tastemakers will take to the Opera House’s Concert Hall stage for a half-day summit exploring global forces shaping fashion with an Australian lens.

Anna Wintour said: “At Vogue we have always thought of Forces of Fashion as an event which celebrates innovation and creativity wherever they are in the world, so I am delighted that Vogue Australia will honor so many globally renowned homegrown talents. It’s a wonderful moment to come together to be inspired—and in the most marvellous and memorable setting!”

Vogue Australia editorial director and publisher, Edwina McCann, and editor-in-chief, Christine Centenera, will be joined by a world-leading line-up of speakers including renowned model and entrepreneur Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, multi-Oscar-winning designer Catherine Martin, musician and actor Rita Ora, filmmaker and actor Taika Waititi, Australian actor Phoebe Tonkin, and acclaimed Australian designer Nicky Zimmermann. More speakers to be announced soon.

Australian heritage jewellery brand Paspaley has signed on with Vogue Australia as major partner of Forces of Fashion, Sydney, along with supporting partners Mastercard and Dyson.

Edwina McCann said: “Vogue Australia’s Forces of Fashion event represents a pivotal moment for Australian fashion on the world stage. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with industry leaders and gain insight into what drives the best minds in fashion and culture.

“We’re delighted to present this event with the Sydney Opera House, which is the perfect destination for the discussion of ideas impacting our culture and to showcase Sydney as a hub for key talent in arts, fashion and design. I’d like to thank Vogue Australia’s major partner Paspaley for supporting this world-class moment that will put a spotlight on Sydney and celebrate the creative industry on a global level.”

Christine Centenera said: “Vogue Forces of Fashion’s inaugural Sydney event fulfils a long-held desire to bring a global initiative to Australia. I have always believed in celebrating Australia’s contribution to the global cultural landscape. Our designers, artists, actors and musicians are among the best in the world and Forces of Fashion sees them all come together with the most influential names worldwide in fashion, film, music, beauty and the arts for a day of discussion.”

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley said: “Platforms like Forces of Fashion are vital because they open up conversations that move our industry forward. Fashion doesn’t exist in isolation; it reflects culture, identity and the times we live in. For young creatives, hearing directly from those shaping the industry their challenges, pivots and lessons learned can be incredibly grounding and motivating. I’m so looking forward to being back in Sydney. It’s one of the most beautiful, creative cities in the world.”

Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s most iconic venue, the half-day series of talks will be divided across sessions including panel discussions and in-conversations covering trends, challenges and innovations in fashion and culture.

Sydney Opera House head of talks and ideas Chip Rolley said: “We are thrilled to team up with Vogue Australia to present the first Forces of Fashion event in Australia. The Opera House stands as a powerful testament to daring imagination, and our talks program has a rich tradition of diving into the ideas and forces influencing culture. Our precinct will buzz with creative energy focused on the world of fashion, ever a source and beneficiary of major ideas shaping our world.”

For information visit vogue.com.au and for tickets visit sydneyoperahouse.com from 9am (AEDT) Thursday 6 November.

Following the day of discussion, Vogue Australia will host a Summer Ball – an exclusive harbourside party to officially launch its February issue, which will spotlight the trailblazing forces in fashion and culture right now. This quintessentially Australian experience will showcase the best of the country through music, food and drink, art, design and more.

Centenera said: “The evening black-tie event, Vogue Summer Ball, will capture the world of Vogue. It showcases the best of the country as a considered curation of the arts. I am honoured to work with long-time collaborator of mine and creative partner of Vogue, Catherine Martin, who will bring her brilliant vision to this special occasion.”

Source: News Corp Australia