To celebrate International Women's Day, AirRobe has reached out to a
selection of inspiring women and change-makers across Fashion, Art, Photography, Writing and
Sustainability.
The theme for International Women's Day this year is 'Accelerate Action'.
Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality. Step forward in
solidarity for International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 on March 8 to help
#AccelerateAction. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158,
which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity,
according to data from the World Economic Forum. Focusing on the need to
Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive
steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and
urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face,
both in personal and professional spheres. So, together, let's Accelerate
Action to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.
Alvi Chung is Sydney based designer and managing director of Speed. She is the co-curator of Sydney nightlight collective Wings along with Daniel Neeson, whose events span live music and performance, film nights and guerrilla fashion shows. She has been written up in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, InStyle, Elle and Russh to name a few.
For me, Accelerate Action means pushing beyond conversation into real, tangible change— especially when it comes to gender equality in all its forms. Fashion has the power to shape culture, and that means we have a responsibility to challenge outdated norms. True equality isn’t just about women’s empowerment; it’s also about recognising and uplifting non-binary, trans, and gender-fluid identities. In all industries it has historically been rigid in its gender structures, but we’re at a point where we can accelerate progress by dismantling those binaries and making space for all gender expressions to be seen, valued, and respected.
Independent designers aren’t restricted by the same commercial pressures as major fashion houses, which gives us the freedom to challenge traditional gender norms. More and more, we’re seeing designers create gender-fluid collections that reject outdated dualities, allowing people to dress in a way that truly reflects who they are. Fashion should never be about forcing someone into a category—it should be about giving them the freedom to express their identity, whether that’s masculine, feminine, both, or neither. I think independent designers are at the forefront of making that happen, not just through clothing but by advocating for fair representation in casting, hiring, and leadership roles.
There has been progress, especially in terms of more visible representation, but there’s still a gap between tokenism and true systemic change. Seeing diverse models on the runway is great, but representation needs to extend beyond aesthetics. Who is designing the collections? Who is sitting in decision-making roles? True diversity means ensuring that gender-diverse individuals are not just seen but are actively shaping the industry. We need more inclusive policies in fashion education, hiring, and leadership to make sure representation isn’t just a trend but a permanent shift in the industry’s foundations.
Building something outside the mainstream fashion system means constantly pushing against the grain. I’ve had to navigate challenges like securing funding, gaining visibility, and carving out a space where unconventional work is valued. But those challenges have also driven me to embrace guerrilla-style shows and alternative platforms. If the system doesn’t make space for you, you create your own. This mindset is especially important for designers who are breaking gender norms—whether that’s creating gender-fluid collections or advocating for a new system of representation. The key is to stay true to your vision, find your community, and not wait for permission to exist in spaces where you deserve to be.
The festival was born from a desire to create a space where creativity isn’t dictated by commercial pressures or rigid expectations. Independent designers bring fresh perspectives, often challenging the status quo not for the sake of rebellion, but because they see fashion as something more than just clothing—it’s culture, identity, and art. It’s important to provide a platform where emerging designers can be seen for their innovation, where diverse stories can be told, and where audiences can experience fashion in a way that feels authentic, inclusive, and forward-thinking.