Introduction
Recently I had the great opportunity to fly to Sydney and attend the last two days of the Australian Fashion Week 2025.
Coming into this event was very different from what I’m normally used to, Being my first time traveling interstate for a fashion event. I had to plan out the two days of photography with the proviso in mind that I will be away from my gear. Plus carry the gear to and from the hotel, keeping only the bare essentials in my bag.
So landing into Sydney airport with my camera bag at max weight “carry on” capacity, I began to make my way to Redfern station with a short walk to Carriageworks. After grabbing my media accreditation and finding out where this “media room” was. I was very happy to find media lockers on site, which made the experience during all the runway shows that much better.
To add on top of that, Canon Australia was kind enough to lend me a flagship Canon R1 and a RF 100-300mm f2.8 lens for the final runway show on Thursday. Which brings me to the designer of that show: Mariam Seddiq
Tailored Sophistication
Mariam Seddiq has been designing Australian styles for 10 years starting her label back in 2015, Paddington Sydney. This decade show, is to represent a celebration of 10 years of custom and Demi-couture designs that has made her a known name in the Australian and international fashion industry.
Showcasing her new work and full collection on the Thursday night at the Australian Fashion Week. Fresh from her recent highly acclaimed “Icons” show at the New York Fashion week, back in February of this year.
Silhouette is a big word in fashion. It incorporates and emphasises one of the most important aspects of a design. The ability to create a specific shape or form, whether it’s a curve, straight line or edge. Design and silhouette go hand in hand in hand. No more was that more apparent than with Mariam’s collection.
Carrying on, the designs worn where stunning! Thoughtfully curated, each piece showcased impeccable colours, exceptional fabrics, and meticulous tailoring throughout the evening, that married perfectly with the beautiful large space used for the runway.
I have to give it to the Australian fashion council for putting together such a great event space last minute for the designers to show their collections.
The runway was held in the Carla Zampatti Showroom at Carriageworks, which was one of the larger spaces available to the designers.
The showroom really helped bring out the best for the Australian industry, with a large full width floor to ceiling led panel to display a live feed of the show as well as custom imagery.
Designs
Now lets begin talking about the designs from the night! First Dress onto the runway was worn by Model: Lim Lee
(Full list of models are mentioned at the end of this article in order of appearance) Readers View will give you a full width experience if you want to get a better look at the designs.
The start of the show exuded a moody, distinctive, and edgy ambiance. Black served as the overarching theme for the initial thirteen designs, encompassing a diverse range of styles. Everything from shiny two-piece street wear to sleek nightlife attire.
Looking through the photos you will see that a lot of the styles are ready to wear designs, that would suit pretty much any occasion, possessing versatility and suitability for various occasions.
Just in the first few designs you will see how broad Mariam’s fashion genre can reach and its ability to appeal to a wide audience through the singular colour of black.
Next was the beautiful burgundy, blue and silver/champagne hues, gracing the runway
Model: Frankie Scot
Now as a fashion photographer, Colour plays a big role in the work I do, but also in the enjoyment of it as well. You learn about composition through the study of monochrome but begin your storytelling journey and craft though the study of colour.
Colour plays a huge role.
Even standing in the media pit, 20-30 photographers squeezed shoulder to shoulder with each other, nothing more then my feet and a monopod to establish my small position in the pit. The sound of a thousand shutter clicks going off when the models posed in front of our cameras.
Nothing was more apparent to me than the beautiful colours I was capturing in the frame.
The final 2/3rds of the show was really when the crowd started looking in awe. Phones were out and videos were rolling. The spectacle of Mariam Seddiq’s Bridal and Evening wear really took the show to its amazing closing.
This is where I give some credit to the amazing models that walked on the night. Riahn Griffiths, had a beautiful oversized blazer and trousers combo.
Stas Jepsen with a her exquisite, silky, and shimmering overcoat captivated the cameras as she gracefully posed before the media pit.
I really loved the way the outfit draped onto the floor and while it looked light and elegant, it still had a thick luxurious look to it flowing effortlessly to the floor
Montana Cox who I’ve photographed before at the NGV Gala had a beautiful silver evening dress, Taking the breath away from the audience and closing an amazing showcase of style and design.
Closing thoughts
Now I can only speak for myself here. But in my humble opinion, There is nothing more human than creation. Whatever your creation may be, physical or emotional. Creation is one of the fundamental human experiences that not only creates a more interesting world. Its a thing that can be admired from pretty much anyone who will stop and take the time to look.
Mariam Seddiq’s designs made me stop. Even mid event when the runway was still pumping, It made me stop for those very few brief seconds and think….Im so lucky to experience this. THAT is the power of fashion and the power of good, thoughtful design.
Models Of The Decade Runway
(Cover Shot) Mali Lowe
Lim Lee
Sherry Lin
Kiama Jewel (Kiki)
Roberta Pecoraro
Jan Marie Jacobson
Jade Julian
Axelle Lesuisse
Halla Madol
Charlie Austin
Hannah Ford
Mimi
Jasmine Gee
Ruby
Frankie Scot
Simone Holtznagel
Kaitlyn Rainbow
Joseph Enakuei
Riahn Griffiths
Lucinda Levant
Gabrielle Florance
Lucy Dechen
Jemma Feedinando
Edyll
Sharon Johal
Ginger
Sarah Deni
Dyovana Rodrigues
Anaya Mishraa
Stas Jepsen
Montana Cox
Article and Images by Aidan McCorry
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