THE GFC has meant fewer shows for Australian Fashion Week - with two runways instead of three - but that won't keep local A- and B-listers away from coveted front-row seats.

The brother and sister design team Camilla and Marc open the five-day event today with a front row that is expected to include Lara Bingle, right, the actress Emma Lung and the expat model Jessica Hart.

Tonight MAC Cosmetics hosts a Black and White ball-themed soiree at The Ivy with guests including the designer Collette Dinnigan - who doesn't have a runway show this year. Other hot tickets this week include the Willow show on Wednesday, which will be in the credit-crunch unfriendly locale of Carthona House in Darling Point.

Guests at this show - which will have models perched in a fig tree and lolling on swings, followed by a "gothic banquet" - will include Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin and Sarah Murdoch.

Early on Thursday, Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett will show their latest collection for Romance Was Born at the Sydney Theatre Company. Cate Blanchett recently told US Vogue the label was among her favourites. Sales said Blanchett was "devo" (translation: devastated) she would be unable to attend the show at the STC due to filming commitments.