The Australian actress is just one of the many celebrity speakers set to arrive in Sydney for the global conversation series.
Australian actress and Vogue’s former digital cover star is officially headed to Sydney for Vogue Forces of Fashion—and she isn’t the only celebrity speaker slated to attend the event.
In 2026, on February 13, Vogue Forces of Fashion—the global conversation series will bring some of the biggest names in fashion, design and culture together in Sydney for an unmissable half-day summit, exploring the global forces shaping fashion with a distinctly Australian lens. Unfolding in the iconic Sydney Opera House, the event will feature conversations between cultural leaders, celebrities, and tastemakers that are leading the charge from the Australian frontier.
The event, launched by Condé Nast global chief content officer Anna Wintour in 2017, is a showcase for the voices defining fashion and culture. “At Vogue we have always thought of Forces of Fashion as an event which celebrates innovation and creativity wherever they are in the world, so I am delighted that Vogue Australia will honour so many globally renowned homegrown talents,” Wintour says. “It’s a wonderful moment to come together to be inspired—and in the most marvellous and memorable setting!”
“There are so many younger, up-and-coming designers doing truly exciting work in Australia and New Zealand; Common Hours, Nichol & Ford, Matteau, With Jean, Courtney Zheng, Christopher Esber and Harris Tapper,” Phoebe Tonkin tells Vogue. “I love being able to both support and be supported by these brands and designers.” She’ll be speaking at Forces of Fashion alongside model and actor Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Catherine Martin, Baz Luhrmann, Taika Waititi, Nicki Zimmermann and Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Christine Centenera.
“I think in general, Australians aspire to be fashionable yet effortless,” says Tonkin of her connection to Australian fashion. “There’s something about slicking my hair back, applying some sunscreen, and throwing on a Matteau slip dress and some sandals that feels incredibly put together yet easy. I am constantly looking to Australian designers for inspiration and I love any opportunity to wear and support the Australian fashion industry.”
Born and raised in Sydney, the actor is looking forward to returning to her own homegrown rituals, from “swimming at Balmoral Beach, drinking a fantastic latte, and doing some shopping on Glenmore Road.” The actor shares that she is also looking forward to giving fellow panellists the once-over in a city she still calls home. “I am fortunate enough to call a few of my fellow panelists friends so I look forward to showing them around Sydney when they visit too!”
