Iconic Designers From Australia

Australia, the land of unique wildlife, unmatched natural beauty, and offbeat culture, has been making waves in the fashion scene. The Australian fashion industry is vibrant and growing rapidly. Prolific designers like Akira Isogawa, Alex Perry, and Wayne Cooper have made a name for themselves globally. The quintessential Australian style is unlike anything you see out there- it’s relaxed, effortless, and laid back. This can be attributed to the unique culture of the continent because Aussies like to do things differently than the rest of the globe. Fashion aesthetics here reflect the Australian spirit and sensibility of adventure, versatility, and elegance. Australian designers are well known for their trans-seasonal collections with an emphasis on simplicity, nature-inspired designs, and coastal vibes. Designers regularly draw inspiration from the incredible natural environment and coastal areas to create easy, wearable clothes.

Australian brands are renowned for their sustainable approach to fashion. The cultural significance of sustainability plays a very important role in how designers produce and market their creations. Australians cultivate a distinctive style of effortless chic, urban, and eclecticism. We take a look at the most iconic designers from down under who have made their mark on the global stage:

• Alex Perry– Alex Perry, and his eponymous brand, is one of the famous Australian designers. Well known for his penchant for combining accessories and jewellery with clothes, Alex Perry has a long list of international celebrity clientele which includes singer Jennifer Lopez and actress Priyanka Chopra. His popularity as a TV presenter for various shows like Australia’s Next Top Model and Australian Project Runway has brought him global fame. The brand Alex Perry is synonymous with luxury gowns and red carpet-worthy evening wear. Bejewelled corsets and masterfully tailored sheaths are his trademark signature. Alex Perry has shown annually at Australian Fashion Week since 1997 and his shows continue to be touted as one of the most highly anticipated events on the schedule.
• Carla Zampatti– A 55 years old fashion institution, Carla Zampatti’s eponymous brand is an iconic luxury label that creates timeless, effortless and essential womenswear. Carla Zampatti saw a gap in luxury fashion that creates bespoke, elevated everyday wear. The fashion veteran designs bold pieces that serve two purposes- aesthetic and streamlined function. The brand caters to women of sizes 4 to 16. The Italian born designer launched her brand in 1967, followed by the establishment of Carla Zampatti Ltd in 1970, and the opening of the first store in Surry Hills in 1972. She has been a permanent fixture on the Australian fashion scene, cementing her iconic status as the “Coco Chanel of Australian”. The 77 years-old designer has many accolades to her name including Companion of the Order of Australia in 2009 and the Australian Fashion Laureate in 2008. 
• Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest– Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest are part of the powerhouse duo that founded popular contemporary brand Aje. Adrian serves as the CEO of Aje while his partner cum best friend Edwina plays the role of Creative Director. Aje reflects the aesthetics of its creative head- an elegant mix of rugged toughness and femininity. The duo is well known for the quintessential coastal to urban style collections. Founded in 2008, Aje has become a pioneer of urban chic sensibility thanks to its effortlessly cool and nature-inspired essentials. Billowing silhouettes and Australian motifs have become synonymous with the designs of the brand. Adrian and Edwina pay special attention to intricate beading, volume, and proportions. The pieces are handcrafted by artisans, each embellishment and sequin carefully sewn by hand. Aje’s design is embedded in traditional techniques and craftsmanship, something that the founders say has been a priority from day one. Adrian and Edwina’s brand pays homage to Australia’s natural splendour and its raw beauty, their collections are a celebration of natural treasures and luxury sensibilities.
• Kym Ellery– Kym Ellery designs have made debuts in Paris and other major fashion events around the world. Her designs range from architectural and bold silhouettes, voluminous and billowing shapes, refined tailoring, innovative textiles, masterful cuts and intricate details. Kym Ellery loves and draws inspiration from the 1970s fashion culture. Her label, Ellery, is a favourite of celebrities like Rihanna, Solange Knowles, Cate Blanchett, and Elle Fanning. Kym Ellery started her brand as an evening project while she was working at the Australian magazine Russh. Her collections are a staple in several influential global retailers including Dover Street Market, Selfridges, Browns and Net-a-Porter. 
• Lisa Ho– Lisa Ho is a fashion designer born in Albury, on the New South Wales and Victorian border. She began sewing at age four inspired by her grandmother. She is an icon and key figure in the Australian fashion industry. She came into the fashion scene in the 1980s and is known to be behind numerous brands that encompass almost every aspect of womenswear. Her designs are among the most sought-after in Australia and have been worn by celebrities such as Elle Macpherson, Sarah Wynter, Bec Cartwright, Jennifer Lopez, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Lisa is an avid vintage collector, owning an incredible collection of 18,000 antique pieces. She is also accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia for her workplace practices.