Simon P Lock is known as “The Godfather” of Australian Fashion. He has earned this moniker due to the fact he is the founder of Australian fashion week.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week kicks off tomorrow at Carriageworks and signals the annual glamour parade of fashion and media big-wigs. It is a far cry from two decades ago; Australia’s first fashion week was a comparatively modest affair, taking place in 1996.

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Simon P Lock’s personal backstage photographs

To mark the 20th anniversary of fashion week this year, Simon P Lock launched his first book last night at The Design Institute in Darlinghurst. In the Front Row is a frank account of the rise of fashion week into the epic event it is today. It details the strides made by Australian designers who benefited from the fashion week platform. And the best thing is the recounts of backstage dramas and shenanigans. Simon described his book as honest, which can be a little scary. He just hopes nobody gets too upset with him sharing these stories about some of the most famous designers and models in the world. Juicy.

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Akira Isogawa, Simon P Lock, Carla Zampatti

The launch was attended by a bevy of famous faces including the iconic Carla Zampatti, and Akira Isogawa who is showing at Carriageworks this coming Wednesday. Simon’s personal photos from the early days of Australian fashion week were on display, delighting guests with an exclusive glimpse into that time.

Simon P Lock’s personal backstage photographs

This book is a must read for any fashion lover, recounted by a man who was named one of the most influential people in fashion globally.

Simon P. Lock’s new book In the Front Row: How Australian Fashion Made the World Stage, published by MUP, is out now. RRP $34.99

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All photos by Zak Kaczmarerk.

About The Author

Milo begun her career in media over three years ago at FAMOUS magazine as a picture assistant. She currently works in marketing and journalism and has a special interest in food, travel and fashion! You can follow her foodie adventures on her instagram food blog @chubbymilo

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