Sydney will be the global destination for the fashion industry's first Fashion Week dedicated to showcasing Resort Collections, with a new strategic vision for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) announced today, that sees the event shift to May in 2016.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, has worked closely with IMG, owner and promoter of Australia's premier fashion trade event, to deliver the new strategy which further reinforces Sydney as a global fashion capital.

“Sydney will become the first international market and the only dedicated Fashion Week to showcase Resort Collections to worldwide audiences. Securing the Resort Collections category presents a significant opportunity for NSW, with global retailers allocating a reported 60 per cent of budgets to Resort,” Mr Ayres said.

Fashion is an important industry for NSW, employing around 66,000 people on average over 2014-15 across design, manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing, and generating retail sales of around $8 billion.

“The world's most influential buyers and media travel to Sydney for Fashion Week Australia and the event promotes both the NSW fashion industry and our harbour city to audiences worldwide. It is a boon for both trade and tourism,” Mr Ayres added.

“I am delighted to announce that this global exposure will continue with the NSW Government securing Sydney as the home of Fashion Week Australia for a further three years from 2016-2018.”

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase, said Sydney is the perfect location for this global first.

“Sydney's high energy, glamour and diversity combined with our coastal lifestyle resonate with Resort style so there's no better place to showcase these world-first collections,” Ms Chipchase said.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia will be held from 15-21 May 2016 at Sydney's Carriageworks.