Event overview and history

Austin Fashion Week, now in its 17th year, has grown into the largest and longest-running fashion event in Texas. Since its inception in 2009, the event has evolved from a small, local showcase into a major platform for emerging and established designers across the United States and beyond. Held annually in the vibrant city of Austin, the event has become a cornerstone of the region’s creative calendar, drawing fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media attention from across the country.

Originally launched to spotlight local talent, Austin Fashion Week has steadily expanded its reach, now featuring designers from across the globe. The event has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Texas fashion, blending the state’s distinctive cultural flair with contemporary design trends. Over the years, it has helped launch the careers of numerous designers and models, while also serving as a networking hub for stylists, photographers, and fashion entrepreneurs.

Unlike traditional fashion weeks in cities like New York or Paris, Austin Fashion Week is known for its inclusive and community-driven approach. The event often highlights diversity in fashion, showcasing collections that reflect a wide range of styles, backgrounds, and perspectives. This commitment to inclusivity has helped the event maintain its relevance and appeal, particularly among younger and more progressive audiences.

As it prepares to celebrate its 17th anniversary this spring, Austin Fashion Week continues to build on its legacy of innovation and creativity. The 2024 edition promises to uphold the event’s tradition of excellence while introducing fresh elements that reflect the evolving landscape of fashion and design.

Runway shows and featured designers

This year’s runway shows at Austin Fashion Week are set to be a dynamic celebration of creativity, featuring a curated mix of established names and rising stars in the fashion industry. Over the course of three days, attendees will witness a diverse array of collections that span streetwear, couture, sustainable fashion, and avant-garde design. The runway presentations are scheduled to take place at The Domain, a premier shopping and lifestyle destination in Austin, offering a stylish backdrop for the high-energy showcases.

Among the featured designers for the 2024 edition are several returning favourites, including Texas-based labels that have become synonymous with the event’s identity. These include League of Rebels, known for its tailored menswear with a modern twist, and Rare Trends, a brand that blends Latin American influences with contemporary silhouettes. Their collections are expected to reflect both regional flair and global fashion sensibilities, resonating with audiences from Austin to Adelaide.

Newcomers to the runway this year include emerging designers from across the United States, as well as international talents making their Austin debut. Notably, Australian designer Isla & Bloom will present a capsule collection inspired by coastal living and sustainable materials, marking the brand’s first appearance at a major U.S. fashion event. This inclusion highlights the event’s growing international appeal and its commitment to showcasing diverse voices in fashion.

In keeping with Austin Fashion Week’s inclusive ethos, the runway shows will also feature collections from adaptive fashion designers and size-inclusive brands. These presentations aim to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote accessibility in fashion, aligning with broader industry movements toward representation and equity.

Each evening’s runway show will be accompanied by live music, interactive installations, and opportunities for guests to engage directly with designers and stylists. This immersive format not only enhances the viewing experience but also fosters a sense of community among attendees, designers, and industry insiders alike.

With its eclectic mix of talent and styles, the 2024 runway lineup promises to be a highlight of the fashion calendar, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary design while celebrating the creative spirit that defines Austin Fashion Week.

Pop-up experiences and venue details

Complementing the runway excitement, Austin Fashion Week’s pop-up experiences offer attendees a more intimate and interactive way to engage with fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. These curated activations will be spread throughout The Domain, one of Austin’s most upscale retail and entertainment precincts, transforming the area into a vibrant hub of creativity and commerce from May 8 to May 10.

Visitors can expect a variety of pop-up boutiques featuring limited-edition collections, exclusive product launches, and meet-and-greets with designers and brand founders. These temporary installations provide a unique opportunity for fashion lovers to discover emerging labels and shop directly from the creators, many of whom are debuting their work in the U.S. market. Australian attendees will appreciate the chance to explore brands that blend Texan flair with global influences, including sustainable fashion lines and artisanal accessories.

In addition to fashion, the pop-ups will include beauty lounges offering complimentary mini-makeovers, skincare consultations, and product samples from both indie and established beauty brands. Wellness activations will also be present, with experiences such as guided meditation sessions, aromatherapy stations, and fitness pop-ups designed to promote a holistic approach to style and self-care.

The Domain itself serves as an ideal venue for these experiences, with its open-air layout, modern architecture, and mix of high-end retailers and local boutiques. The event will utilise both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for a seamless flow between runway shows and pop-up activations. Strategically placed installations will encourage exploration, while live music and food vendors will add to the festive atmosphere, making it a destination for both fashion insiders and casual visitors.

For Australian fashion enthusiasts planning to attend or follow the event online, the pop-up experiences offer a window into the dynamic and inclusive spirit of Austin’s fashion scene. Whether browsing bespoke garments, chatting with designers, or enjoying a glass of local wine while listening to live music, attendees will find plenty to engage the senses and spark inspiration.

Event highlights and schedule

Marking its 17th anniversary, Austin Fashion Week is set to dazzle from May 8 to May 10 with a curated lineup of runway shows and immersive pop-up experiences. As Texas’ most enduring fashion event, it continues to evolve, spotlighting both emerging and established designers in a dynamic, style-forward setting.

This year’s schedule is packed with high-energy showcases that blend local flair with international influence. Each evening will feature a series of runway presentations, offering a platform for designers to debut their latest collections in front of industry insiders, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

• May 8: Opening night kicks off with a focus on sustainable fashion and next-gen talent, setting the tone for a progressive and inclusive week.
• May 9: The spotlight shifts to contemporary womenswear, with a mix of luxe ready-to-wear and bold statement pieces gracing the catwalk.
• May 10: The finale night celebrates couture and eveningwear, closing the event with glamour and high drama under the Texas sky.

Complementing the runway action, curated pop-up experiences will run throughout the three-day event, offering attendees the chance to shop exclusive collections, meet designers, and engage with interactive fashion installations. It’s a must-attend for those seeking fresh inspiration and a pulse on the American fashion scene—served with a distinctly Texan twist.

Venue and anniversary celebration

Set against the vibrant backdrop of The Domain—Austin’s premier shopping and lifestyle precinct—the 17th anniversary of Austin Fashion Week promises a chic fusion of fashion and celebration. Known for its upscale boutiques and open-air elegance, The Domain offers a fittingly stylish stage for this milestone event, blending cosmopolitan energy with Southern charm.

This year’s anniversary celebration is more than just a nod to longevity—it’s a tribute to the evolution of Texan fashion. The venue will be transformed into a fashion playground, with open-air runways, VIP lounges, and curated installations that reflect the bold, independent spirit of Austin’s creative community. Expect a mix of modern architecture and lush outdoor spaces, creating an immersive experience that’s both polished and playful.

In honour of the 17-year legacy, organisers are planning special anniversary moments throughout the event. From retrospective showcases highlighting standout looks from past seasons to exclusive designer collaborations created just for the occasion, the celebration is set to be as stylish as it is sentimental. Attendees can also look forward to live music sets, art activations, and elevated hospitality offerings that reflect the city’s eclectic cultural mix.

“Seventeen years of Austin Fashion Week is a testament to the city’s growing influence in the fashion world,” said one of the event’s creative directors. “We’re celebrating not just the designers, but the community that has supported and shaped this event into what it is today.”

For Australian fashion insiders, the venue’s blend of innovation and authenticity offers a compelling case study in regional fashion identity. It’s a reminder that style doesn’t just live in the major capitals—it thrives wherever creativity meets community.