A collaboration between the Australian Fashion Council (AFC), Afterpay, and Vicinity Centres will see local fashion leaders given physical retail space in Chatswood Chase in Sydney for an eight-week period on a rotating basis.

The ‘Edit Collection’ will launch in August, and is aimed at helping Australian fashion establish itself while championing home-grown brands.

According to the AFC, the retail space will be a “one of a kind retail concept store”.

The space will be fully functional and retail ready, with all rent, marketing and educational support paid for – brands just need to bring their product and staff.

A panel of experts will determine which four brands per year will be invited into the space based on a number of criteria such as their sustainability credentials, innovation, the originality of design, and how it champions Australian values, as well as diversity and inclusion. Brands will be invited to apply. Submissions are now open until 8 July and the brands will be shortlisted on 13 July.

The four winning brands will be announced in mid-July, with the first brand to take up the space in August; the second in November; the third next February; and, the fourth in May next year.