Celebrated for her presence on the runway and her advocacy for First Nations representation in the fashion industry, Indigenous model Elaine George has been recognized as one of Australian Fashion Week’s official Changemakers for 2024. Elaine George Named Australian Fashion Week Changemaker 2024
Launched by IMG in 2021, the Changemakers program highlights individuals who are leveraging fashion as a cultural catalyst and shaping the future of Australian fashion. This year’s Changemakers, including George, James Bartle, Kim Daniels, and Rumbie Mutsiwa, will participate in Australian Fashion Week (AFW) through various content integrations, runway shows, and programming.
As part of the program, George will take part in a panel discussion on May 16, sharing her knowledge and insights with media and the public. This recognition marks George’s first time being acknowledged as an industry leader at the renowned fashion event, and she is thrilled to have been selected for this opportunity.
“Very honored to be nominated. I am proud to be one of the many First Nations champions who have gained this Australian industry recognition,” said George, reflecting on her nomination alongside other Indigenous trailblazers such as Charlee Fraser, Liandra Gaykamangu, Grace Lillian Lee, Lisa Fatnowna, Nathan McGuire, and Yatu Widders-Hunt.
Known as the first Indigenous model to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine in 1993, George has been a mentor for young Indigenous models, providing wisdom and guidance while becoming a regular presence at AFW shows.
In 2024, George is set to walk the AFW catwalk again, featuring in the Next Gen Runway, which recognizes the new guard of innovators influencing the future of fashion design in Australia. “I am excited for another Australian Fashion Week this May and even more for this year as it will be the first year that I have been cast for Australian designer shows including Next Gen Runway,” George expressed.
With her involvement in AFW, George aims to further motivate and inspire today’s younger generations. “As a model mentor, I want to continue to inspire and motivate our next generation,” she said. “I want to show them that if I can come back after 30 years, then you can do this.”
Presented by Pandora, Australian Fashion Week will run from May 13 to 17, showcasing the industry’s biggest names alongside the next generation of Australian designers defining the future of the platform. As the largest and most influential fashion event in the Asia-Pacific, AFW promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and innovation.
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