Meet the winning designers of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week’s Next Gen program

Next in fashion.

The 2022 winners of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week’s (AAFW) Next Gen program have been announced and are set to take over the runway this May. Founded in 1996 as a way to spotlight Australia’s emerging designers, the Next Gen program enhances the visibility of young designers and maximises their sales and industry networking opportunities.

Up for grabs is a prize valued at over $100,000 that includes runway show production and a content package with a runway livestream and photography, as well as international shipping credits provided by DHL. Since its inception, the program has helped launch the careers of industry-leading names like Anna Quan, Bec and Bridge, Camilla and Marc and Akira, among others.

Keep up to date with emerging, Australian brands over at our Fashion section.

“Next Gen recognises the new guard of innovators influencing the future of fashion design in Australia,” said Natalie Xenita, Vice President-Managing Director of IMG Fashion Events and Properties Asia Pacific. “The 2022 winners have demonstrated talent not only in design, but in harnessing fashion’s power as a tool for communicating social and environmental messages that influence culture.”

Emerging local labels Clea, Asiyam, Phoebe Pendergast and Not a Man’s Dream have been selected as this year’s winners. Asiyam’s founder and creative director, Asia Hassan, created Asiyam after feeling frustrated by the lack of accessible and high-quality modest fashion. Its minimalist yet luxurious pieces are influenced by both a traditional Arabian aesthetic and contemporary womenswear.

Founded in 2021 by designer Natasha Gordon, Clea is a label that unites opposing elements, fusing a masculine and feminine aesthetic in its minimal yet intricate designs.

FJ favourite Phoebe Pendergast first launched her eponymous label in 2019 after graduating from RMIT’s Fashion Design Honours program. Her whimsical designs draw on personal memories and experiences she wishes to relive and have graced the pages of publications like Vogue Australia.

Designer Samantha Saint James created her label Not a Man’s Dream with the intention of defying fashion’s gendered approach to design. Her high-end streetwear combines traditional fashion design with contemporary innovation.

The Next Gen runway show will take place on Friday May 13 at 10am and a panel discussion featuring all four winners will take place on the same day at 4.30pm, as part of The Talks, AAFW’s ongoing series of conversations.

AAFW will take place from 9 to 13 May 2022 live at Carriageworks, Sydney, and virtually at AAFW.com.au. Find out more about the program here.