FFWD Festival

Overview

A new four-day festival bringing together top-shelf eats, curated drinks, cutting-edge fashion and pumping beats will take over the CBD's Machine Hall from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 4. The inaugural FFWD (pronounced 'fashion forward') will feature an experimental concept store from Sorry Thanks I Love You, which will showcase new and archival pieces by top design houses including ​​Comme Des Garçons, Acne Studios, Issey Miyake, MM6 Maison Margiela and more.

But it's not just the threads that have impressive credentials. The legendary Sydney restaurateur behind Bondi Icebergs and popular Potts Point pop-up Snack Kitchen, Maurice Terzini, will be delivering a menu of Italian hits including porcini and truffle lasagna and tiramisu, served by the scoop. Mike Bennie from progressive wine merchants P&V has created a drinks offering that leans on easy-to-drink natty drops from up-and-coming Australian cellar doors.

Maurice Terzini. Image: Nikki To

The party gets started on the fest's opening night with a headline set by Julian Hamilton, one half of EDM icons The Presets, who will be supported by psychedelic rock duo Velvet Trip. Across the four days, festival-goers can expect free wine tastings, fashion and hospitality industry panel discussions with top experts, rolling DJ sets, installations by Dover Street Market artist Brett Westfall and screenings of the 2023 fashion documentary High & Low — John Galliano.

Entry to the festival is a very reasonable $25, however for those with cash to splash, there are three tiers of all-access passes, starting at $1000 and topping out at $5000. These VIP tickets secure access to the private opening night cocktail party and exclusive closing night afterparty, as well as a laundry list of other perks. A charity donation will also be made in the ticket-holder's name to Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

Top image: Jordan Munn