A model walks away during the catwalk show for designer Gary Bigeni, held as part of the 2012 Australian Fashion Week, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.

Sydney held a bevy of catwalk shows and party-like events as the invitation-only Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) commenced. Last year, a five-year title sponsorship by Rosemount wine came to an end. This year marks Mercedes-Benz’s return as the title sponsor; Mercedes-Benz first sponsored Fashion Week in 1995. The NSW government, Destination NSW and Austrade are also supporting this year's event.

Excerpts from press release: Sydney, Australia (February 29, 2012) Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is excited to announce cult label Ksubi, celebrity favourite Camilla, Zimmermann, Lisa Ho, Toni Maticevski, Aurelio Costarella, Jayson Brunsdon, Ellery, and Carl Kapp will be amongst the line-up of designers showcasing their Spring/Summer 2012/13 Collections at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, April 30 to May 4, 2012.

A stand out on the 2012 schedule is expected to be Romance was Born. The label is showcasing their polished ready to wear collection combining art and wearable fashion in a sophisticated Spring Summer range. Johanna Johnson will also attract hype as she hosts an intimate salon show for her debut at MBFWA. Mixing old Hollywood charm and modern simplicity, Johnson is renowned for her recent Oscar’s role dressing starlets in her eponymous label.

Australian brand Oroton will also debut on the runway at MBFWA for the first time demonstrating the brand is as skilled at creating Ready to Wear women’s wear as well as their well known luxury accessories.

Joining this incredible line up of iconic designers are Magdalena Velevska, Alice McCall, Lisa Maree, Gary Bigeni, Bec and Bridge, Miss Unkon, Bowie, Kooey Australia, Michael Lo Sordo, Kirrily Johnston and Talulah.