By June Ramli
Sydney, Oct 11: Sonia Sadiq Gandhi, founder of the Fabrics of Multicultural Australia (FOMA), aims to leverage fashion as a bridge for economic collaboration and cultural diplomacy.
The FOMA platform integrates both emerging and established local and international designers, creating opportunities for multilateral trade while championing cross-cultural fashion.
By partnering with embassies and international governments, FOMA facilitates cross-border economic exchanges and provides designers with a global stage to showcase their work.
Looking ahead, FOMA will introduce the FOMA Awards in 2025, alongside a curated marketplace featuring pieces from First Nations, local, and international designers, offering their work to global audiences.
Sonia, who moved to Australia 26 years ago as an international student, emphasizes that fashion is not just about aesthetics but about human connection.
She believes fashion should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, not just an exclusive few.
Through FOMA, she offers a sustainable platform that allows designers and artists to build economic opportunities while telling their unique stories.
“We work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as embassies, to select designers who represent their countries while also championing their unique brands,” Sonia explained.
This year’s FOMA event marks a significant milestone with equal representation of both local and international designers, showcasing six international and six local talents.
The show promises to be a vibrant cultural exchange through fashion, highlighting the richness of diverse craftsmanship from around the world.
FOMA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond the runway.
Initiatives like “Faces of FOMA” connect people from over 60 nationalities with fashion brands seeking models from diverse backgrounds, providing new opportunities without the need for agencies.
Sonia sees fashion as an avenue to foster social cohesion and enhance cross-cultural dialogue.
“We hope to highlight not only the talent of these designers but also the stories behind their craftsmanship,” she said.
The upcoming FOMA Awards in 2025 will further spotlight exceptional talent within the fashion industry, and the introduction of the FOMA marketplace will allow both local and international designers to sell handpicked, high-quality garments to global audiences, emphasizing the economic potential of cross-cultural fashion.
Tomorrow’s event will see 12 foreign governments represented, with patrons from various departments, including the Department of Home Affairs.
The runway is set for a showcase of rich cultural diversity and fashion artistry, reflecting FOMA’s mission to use fashion as a global connector for economic and cultural exchange.
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