The recent annual FOMA Creative Industries Roundtable hosted graciously by the DFAT, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade NSW, with the valued support of the Fiji Consulate General & Trade Commission – Australia & New Zealand, brought together a variety of leaders from the fashion industry hailing from 11 different countries at DFAT NSW on Thursday 8 February 2024.
FOMA, founded by Sonia Sadiq Gandhi. is a platform that creates and presents a more inclusive and dynamic fashion industry that truly reflects the richness and complexity of our global community.
The primary aim pf the roundtable was to champion sustainable and impactful change within the fashion sector, all the while exploring the importance of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and brand storytelling, particularly through the lens of cross and intercultural fashion.
The roundtable was facilitated by My PALOMA director Eliana Gamboa and held in the presence of Crispin Conroy, Director DFAT NSW; Daniel Stow, Fiji Trade Commissioner; Juan Jose Barboza Cabrera, Consul General of Uruguay; Andrew Sutton, DFAT NSW, Aida Guirguis, Founder, CEO & Creative Director, Scarab Rouge; Colleen Tighe-Johnson, FOMA Ambassador, Creative Director, BULUUY MIRRII; Dean Boone, Director, The West Journal; Ellen Whippy-Knight, Managing Director, Fiji Fashion Week; Hupfeld Hoerder, Creative Director, Hupfeld Hoerder; Javad Ziaolhagh, Creative Director, Javad; Justine Ndayi, Designer, Kis-Simba; Navneet Anand, Director, Fiji Times (Multicultural Media); Niyati Mehta, Director, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Consulate General of India; Sheron Sultan, Founder, Yatimba; Sonja Parker, Leading Model, Faces of FOMA; and Vanessa Moe, Designer, Vanessa Moe.
Celebrating diversity and embracing cultural exchange in fashion is undeniably vital, yet it comes with its own set of challenges. The complexity of the topic and the diverse stakeholders involved often pose hurdles, from navigating intricate supply chains to quantifying the economic impact of cross and intercultural fashion styles with limited data and metrics available.
Enter FOMA—a unique concept poised to redefine the fashion landscape. It recognizes the multifaceted value of diverse fashion styles, transcending mere monetary terms to encompass social, cultural, and artistic dimensions. Positioned ahead of its time globally, FOMA is set to revolutionize the fashion industry. In its seventh year, FOMA has forged partnerships with 23 foreign governments and trade agencies, showcasing 55 designer brands from six continents and 36 countries. This highlights the significance of diversity in fashion and culture within the context of our trade relations.
Through a strategic blend of communication channels, including runway shows, awards programs, cultural exchanges, and creative collaborations with industry leaders and stakeholders, FOMA aims to effectively communicate the intangible benefits of diverse fashion styles to the economy. Stay tuned for the FOMA Creative Industry Awards and the 12th October 2024 FOMA Runway Showcase taking place at Sydney Observatory. Learn More on fomaustralia.com.au.
