According to Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres, fashion is one of NSW's biggest industries employing more than 68,000 people in the state and generating more than $8.3 billion in annual sales.

"It is one of the largest industries that we have, and yes it's made of glamour and its got fast-paced movement and lots of flashing cameras and people out and about, but make no mistake, this show is very much a trade show – it's about generating jobs for Australia," he said as he opened 2016 Fashion Week Australia – our 21st annual trade show aimed at local and international press and buyers this week.

This year the focus of the six-day showcase featuring emerging labels such as Georgia Alice and established names such as Ginger & Smart was on resort collections – trans-seasonal looks that are sold in the Asia-Pacific market for up to six months. Resort, or pre-collection, is the only season where the southern and northern hemisphere buying calendars align, with ranges hitting the shop floor from November.

The driving force of the new-look Fashion Week are a group of industry movers and shakers renowned and revered for their creativity and foresight.

1 and 2. Beth and Tessa MacGraw

The Sydney sisters staged one of the strongest shows of the week, according to international buyer representatives from Bergdorf Goodman, with frothy dresses and smiling models. This year the pair took out the coveted $100,000 Tiffany & Co. National Designer Award at Melbourne Fashion Festival and are the shining lights of the next generation of local design talent.

3. Carmen Hamilton

The Chronicles of Her blogger is as famous for her hair as she is for her passion for promoting Australian fashion. With almost half a million social media fans, the impeccably preened former Vogue staffer is one of the emerging influencers to watch.

4 and 5. Maurice Terzini and Lucy Hinkfuss

The founders of Ten Pieces decided to put the creativity that "happens around the kitchen table" to work and established their passion project after serving the fashion industry for 30 years at Terzini's numerous eateries, including Bondi's Icebergs. The stripped-back brand, which features just 10 pieces a collection, made a splash in 2015 after the duo drained the iconic Icebergs pool and launched the label in what is now considered a defining moment in Fashion Week history.

6. Christopher Esber

A rare talent who can channel his creativity into commercial success. Esber's style is subtle and sophisticated, destined to be loved by royalty, politicians and stay-at-home mums alike for the easy-to-wear yet elegant ethos. This year he was selected by the Australian Fashion Chamber to take part in the third Australian Designers Abroad showcase at Paris Fashion Week where he impressed a throng of European buyers and press.

7 and 8. Bambi Northwood Blyth and Dan Single

The Sonny and Cher of the local fashion scene. The husband and wife are the life of every party and launched their new leisure-wear range P.Jame with a pyjama party at The Ivy last week. Guests were made to change into a pair of silky PJs before being admitted to the showcase. Model Northwood Blyth and Ksubi founder Single are in the midst of building a diverse creative portfolio having launched a rosé wine, Pour Les Amour, last year.

9. Edwina McCann

The Australian Anna Wintour, if Wintour had a sunny disposition. The Vogue Australia editor is also the chair of the Australian Fashion Chamber and lobbied tirelessly on behalf of the fashion industry to gain the support and recognition from fashion-loving Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop and her department.

10. Stephanie Joy Field

Less than four weeks after deciding to become a model back in 2014, the 20-year-old farm girl from Jugigong was walking on the runways of Paris for Chanel and Valentino. Her family is one of NSW's biggest wool producers and she is now a passionate advocate for Australian merino.

11. Mark Vassallo

The stylist is the Baz Luhrmann of fashion. Continually pushing the envelope for live shows and magazine features, his vision is energetic, bold and breathtaking. Just one of Vassallo's 20-minute catwalk shows is more engaging and emotive than half of what Hollywood churns out. This year, he was responsible for must-see shows Camilla, Romance Was Born and Discount Universe.

12. Donna Player

As David Jones' chief merchandise executive, Player's remit includes everything from T-shirts to toasters, and with more than 30 years of flesh in the game she knows who to watch and who to sign up. Player has been a driving force in the department store's revitalisation, championing Australian designers like TOME and local ambassadors including outspoken model Jesinta Campbell.

13. Renya Xydis

If Johnny Depp sought inspiration for his role as Edward Scissorhands he must have turned to hairstylist to the stars Xydis. When she's not busy in her salons around town or styling Cate Blanchett's hair for the red carpet, she is backstage at our biggest fashion shows directing how each and every follicle should look.

14. Samantha Harris

When the model isn't walking in shows or fronting major advertising campaigns nationwide, she is working hard at being the Adam Goodes of fashion – encouraging and championing other Indigenous models. Once a year she travels to Uluru to mentor young and aspiring models.

Fifty Shades of Yellow

There was nothing mellow about the yellow seen on the runways. From Manning Cartell's mustard two-pieces, Kit X's marigold skirts, yellows and golds will be the shades to look out for come springtime. Toni Maticevski's butter gowns and Dion Lee's lemon looks that were as zingy as chewable vitamin C were stand-out moments of the week.

Bare shoulders

Prepare for some major throwback. This summer you'll be dressing like a bridesmaid from 1985. Off the shoulder tops and dresses will be the style of the summery seasons thanks to By Johnny's ruffle creations, Yeojin Bae's halter necklines and Ginger & Smart's new swimwear looks.

Long sleeved swimwear

Sun-smart chic is what you'll be wearing to the beach and then the bar when things heat up. Old school rash vests have been given the high-fashion treatment by American designer Cynthia Rowley and local labels Bondi Bather and Duskii. We Are Handsome's pastel pink, purple and teal looks will be all the rage from Bondi to Byron when they land in stores later this year.