Australia’s popular Fashion Week is cancelled due to the ban on mass gatherings caused by the coronavirus outbreak
- This year would have been the 25th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
- Government sanctions on gatherings due to the coronavirus cancelled the event
- ‘The health and safety of everyone involved remains top priority,’ statement said
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Melbourne’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Event organisers released a statement on Tuesday morning to announce the event has been called off due to government sanctions on non-essential gatherings in response to the disease.
‘Due to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)’s mandate against holding non-essential, organised public gatherings of more than 500 people in light of global health concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), we regret to share that Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2020 will not take place,’ Natalie Xenita from IMG’s fashion events said.
‘This decision was made after careful consideration, as the health and safety of everyone involved remains our top priority.
Melbourne’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Pictured: models on the catwalk during the 2019 event
The event was cancelled for the safety of all staff, participants and attendees due to government sanctions on non-essential events in response to the coronavirus
‘Please be assured we are working to refund registration fees as soon as possible and we thank you for your support of the Australian fashion community.’
The 25th anniversary of the industry show will now be held next year.
This year would have been the first time the event was open to the public, with labels including Bassike, Ginger & Smart and We Are Kindred set to have a runway show.
Australian stylist Alice McCall told Marie Claire she backed the cancellation of the event.
‘I strongly support IMG’s decision to cancel MBFWA and look forward to making a return to the schedule in 2021,’ she said.
The cancellation follows on from the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, which cancelled seven runway shows over the weekend.
The Royal Easter Show, Sydney Writer’s Festival and Vivid Sydney have also been cancelled, as well as sporting events including the Australian Grand Prix, World Surf League events and the Chappell-Hadlee cricket series.
There are now more than 400 cases of coronavirus across Australia.
The 25th anniversary of the event will now be held next year. Pictured: models in the Tigerlily show at last years event