Words & photography by Cesar Ocampo

After years of photographing Australian Fashion Week, I’ve come to expect the unexpected — especially when Mariam Seddiq is involved. But her show on Day 4 of AFW 2025 truly raised the bar.

Titled The Decade, this collection marked ten bold years of Mariam Seddiq’s fashion journey — and what a way to celebrate. From the moment the first look hit the runway, the room changed. You could feel the energy shift, and behind the lens, I knew I was capturing something special.

The collection was everything I’ve come to love about Seddiq’s work: sharp tailoring, strong silhouettes, and dramatic shapes that demand attention. From power blazers to flowing, sculptural gowns, each look had a presence. These weren’t just clothes — they were statements. And as a photographer, every piece gave me something unique to capture.

  

One of the biggest standouts? The hair and makeup. Sculpted hairdos, bold graphic eyeliner, and glowing skin pulled the whole look together. Every model looked like a piece of art — strong, stylish, and completely unforgettable.

What I love most about photographing Mariam’s shows is the feeling. It’s more than fashion — it’s a performance. From backstage to the runway, her collections are full of life, movement, and emotion. And this show, more than any, felt like a celebration of all the years she’s spent carving out her place in Australian fashion.

I’ve had the honour of photographing every one of her shows at AFW over the years. Watching her evolve — and capturing that growth through my camera — has been a highlight of my career.

With The Decade, Mariam Seddiq didn’t just show us where she’s been. She gave us a glimpse of where she’s going. And I can’t wait to keep following the journey — one photo at a time.