Goth Girl Fashion Icon Gail Sorronda Excluded from Australian Fashion Week
Renowned for her gothic-inspired creations that blend the allure of Nosferatu with the mystery of Picnic at Hanging Rock, Gail Sorronda has long been a revered figure in the fashion industry. Her dark, ethereal designs have garnered praise from icons like Karl Lagerfeld and Dolce & Gabbana. However, the latest development at Australian Fashion Week (AFW) has left Sorronda feeling blindsided.
Sorronda, known for her flowing white gowns, sharp black tunics, and dramatic coats, was dealt a blow when her application to showcase her work at the AFW in Sydney was turned down. The rejection came via a generic email, plunging Sorronda into a state of shock and disappointment. She expressed her dismay at not being able to mark her brand’s 20th anniversary at the very event that kickstarted her career back in 2005.
The decision to exclude Sorronda came under the helm of the new AFW organizers, The Australian Fashion Council, who took over the event following its separation from IMG. Kellie Hush, the former editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar and now the CEO of AFW, clarified that the event is shifting its focus towards businesses geared for local and international wholesale opportunities. This strategic direction, gleaned from industry feedback, played a pivotal role in Sorronda’s exclusion, as her application did not align with the event’s new objectives.
Despite having her designs featured in prestigious stores across global fashion capitals and maintaining a successful boutique in Brisbane, Sorronda was surprised by the early dismissal of her application among the 78 submissions received by AFW. She emphasized her interest in exploring wholesale avenues, highlighting her acumen as a seasoned businesswoman.
As the AFW gears up for its upcoming edition on May 12, Hush is in the process of finalizing the roster of brands that will grace the revamped runway. The event’s scale will be contingent on financial backing from government entities like Destination NSW and forthcoming sponsorship deals. Hush acknowledged the monumental task of rebuilding the event from scratch within a tight timeline, contrasting it with the luxury of time IMG had during their tenure.
Despite the setback at AFW, Sorronda has found solace in the support extended by the Melbourne Fashion Festival, where her latest collection is slated to debut alongside esteemed labels like Aje, Bianca Spender, and Manning Cartell. Caroline Ralphsmith, the festival’s CEO, commended Sorronda’s unique blend of creativity and timelessness, underscoring her ability to deliver quality designs that resonate with a diverse audience.
In the face of rejection from one platform, Sorronda’s resilience and creative vision have found a new stage to shine, reaffirming her status as a stalwart in the Australian fashion landscape.
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