Fashion week comes back to life after blackout

SYDNEY - The catwalk has come to life again at Australian Fashion Week after a power failure in Sydney's CBD left designers and models in the dark.

Celebrities including Sophie Lee were among hundreds of guests waiting for the Zimmermann show to begin when a blackout struck just before 10.30am (12.30pm NZST).

The Overseas Passenger Terminal, where fashion week is being held, was evacuated until EnergyAustralia restored power about 11.15am (1.15pm NZST).

Designer Nicky Zimmerman said the unexpected event was an inconvenience but could have been much worse.

"I'm just glad it didn't happen during the show," Ms Zimmerman told AAP.

"It's fine, we're just going to re-steam (the clothes)."

Many confused guests left the venue but fashion week organiser Simon Lock assured them the event would go on.

He said there would be a delay and organisers were working to get generators to power the cargo hall.

Before the power was restored, Mr Lock said today's event would finish after midnight if need be.

"The fashion industry is defiant," he told AAP.

- AAP