On February 13, 2026, the prestigious Vogue Australia’s Forces of Fashion event kicked off, spotlighting some of the most influential names in fashion, entertainment, and culture. Held in Sydney, the event drew major stars and industry leaders, including Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Hailey Bieber, to explore the theme of collective creativity in the fashion world. This event marks not just a gathering of talent but a celebration of the intersection between creativity, empowerment, and the cultural impact that fashion continues to have globally.
A Star‑Studded Affair
Vogue Australia’s Forces of Fashion has become one of the most anticipated annual events in the fashion calendar. This year, the gathering welcomed international superstars from a variety of fields, including Margot Robbie, a major figure in both Hollywood and the fashion world, and Jacob Elordi, the breakout star of Euphoria, whose influence continues to rise both on and off the screen.
Alongside them, fashion icons like Hailey Bieber and Rita Ora contributed to the event’s discussions, reflecting on how the power of fashion can shape personal identity and cultural movements. These stars, who are constantly at the forefront of media and social trends, explored how fashion is not just about clothing, but a reflection of societal shifts, creative expression, and individual empowerment.
The panel discussions and presentations at the event weren’t only about trends; they emphasized how fashion has been used to tell stories, provoke thought, and inspire social change. The fashion industry has long been an arena where the personal and the political intersect, and this year’s event delved deeply into that connection.
Fashion Meets Entertainment: Bridging Worlds
A key element of this year’s event was the continued emphasis on the blending of fashion and entertainment. Celebrities, often fashion trailblazers themselves, shared their experiences working with designers, the evolving nature of red-carpet culture, and how their relationships with the fashion world influence both their professional and personal lives.
Hailey Bieber, known for her unique sense of style and partnerships with major brands, reflected on her role as a fashion influencer and discussed the shift toward sustainable and inclusive fashion. She highlighted the importance of fashion being not just glamorous but also meaningful, echoing a growing industry trend toward responsibility in production and consumption. Meanwhile, Rita Ora, who has established herself as a style icon with her bold fashion choices, spoke about how fashion allows her to express different facets of her personality, empowering her as a woman both in her personal life and her career.
The event also honored Margot Robbie, who has earned international acclaim not just for her acting but for her impeccable fashion sense. As an advocate for women in Hollywood, she discussed her transition from the silver screen to the fashion spotlight, using her platform to address issues like gender equality, creative freedom, and body positivity in the fashion industry.
The Role of Fashion in Social and Cultural Movements
One of the most compelling parts of the Forces of Fashion event was its focus on fashion as a vehicle for social change. Throughout the day, panel discussions and workshops centered around how designers, celebrities, and influencers are using their platforms to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. These efforts are especially significant in a world where consumers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly aligning their purchasing power with brands that reflect their values.
As Jacob Elordi noted, the rise of platforms like Instagram and TikTok has radically changed how fashion is consumed. No longer do consumers rely solely on the runways of major fashion houses to set trends. Instead, social media has become a space where everyday people are as influential as top designers, showcasing unique styles and making powerful statements on their own terms.
A highlight of the event was Vogue Australia’s spotlight on sustainable fashion, an area in which designers like Stella McCartney and Patagonia have been leaders for years. The industry is experiencing a shift as people seek out more eco‑friendly options, prompting major retailers to rethink their practices. With climate change and ethical production being major topics of conversation, the conversation around how fashion can be part of the solution was particularly timely.
Empowering Women Through Creativity
At its core, Forces of Fashion 2026 highlighted the role of creative expression as a means of empowerment for women. The discussions were not just about clothes but about how fashion empowers women to take control of their narratives, their identities, and their futures. Whether it’s through Margot Robbie’s advocacy for female directors in film, Rita Ora’s activism in supporting women’s rights, or Hailey Bieber’s influence on beauty standards, this year’s event reminded attendees that fashion is an essential part of the global conversation about gender, power, and identity.
For many women, fashion serves as an outlet for self‑expression and confidence. In this light, Forces of Fashion 2026 also celebrated how women use fashion to challenge boundaries and engage in broader social conversations. The power of creativity was woven through each presentation, and it became clear that the collaboration between designers, models, and cultural icons is not just about looking good, it’s about using fashion as a tool for storytelling.
The Future of Fashion
Looking ahead, the future of fashion is exciting. As the industry moves towards a more inclusive and sustainable future, events like Forces of Fashion are essential in driving that change. Women, in particular, have proven to be at the forefront of this shift, leading the charge in both fashion and activism.
With influential figures like Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber continuing to use their platforms to support emerging designers and raise awareness about important issues, it’s clear that the impact of this year’s event will be felt for years to come.
Vogue Australia’s Forces of Fashion 2026 stands as a testament to the creative power of women and their ability to shape culture, not just through what they wear, but through the messages they send and the conversations they inspire. As fashion evolves, so too does its ability to influence society in meaningful ways.
