A fashion buyer shares the Australian designers she’s watching in 2024
IMAGE VIA @error404store___/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“When you buy an item of clothing from an emerging designer, you are buying more than just that.”
In Australia, we’re lucky to see emerging fashion talent cropping up every year. Whether designers are getting their start on social media or making their debut on the runway, we’re seeing budding, homegrown names find success on the global stage.
Fashion buyer Kacy Heywood is quick to identify this talent. Known to stock pieces from emerging designers before they’ve even launched a full collection, she uses her Melbourne-based boutique, Error404, as a platform to connect new creative minds with a broader audience.
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In her current roster are designers you might have heard of, or not. Names like Briar Will, Chantelle Lucyl, Amy Cottrell and Hydra Opia sit alongside Kacy’s own label, Kahe. Each has been selected for its unique identity and strong sense of self.
“The leading designers in the emerging space stay true to their lanes. They have a strong identity and you don’t really see crossover in style or pieces. This also is great for the community. There is space for everyone to uplift each other and work together, rather than feel in direct competition,” she explains.
“When you buy an item of clothing from an emerging designer, you are buying more than just that. You are supporting a human being who has given their heart, life and soul to what they are doing. You are buying into their world, what they stand for and the community who identifies with it,” she says.
With Australian Fashion Week just around the corner, there’s no better time to get acquainted with some of the country’s freshest design talent. Below, Kacy shares the designers she’s watching in 2024.
Briar Will
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I think everyone has been watching Briar Will. From their first release, they have nailed it with delivering on a trend. Such a strong honest aesthetic, unique design and so wearable! They print onto casual wear… I am excited about their work because it is fun and there are so many avenues to evolve.
Purgatory
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They are young, talented, driven and make really cool clothing! Their campaigns are striking and their garments are unique and well-made.
Karlaidlaw, Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp, Chantelle Lucyl and Kahe
I am going to list four designers who I think will make headlines: Karlaidlaw, Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp, Chantelle Lucyl and Kahe (it feels strange stating my own label, but I believe in its direction).
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These designers know how to grow. They have their core pieces; their bread and butter that is their identity. They are community-driven by creating activations such as runways.
Each collection they release just gets better and better and you can see their skills developing and growing. They are honest, hard-working and talented designers who are slowly growing their wholesale stockists all over the world.
Maroske Peech, Emily Watson and Alix Higgins
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They know what they do and they do it well! They have their distinct style and fabrics… [they are] re-cutting designs because people love them and there is frankly, no competition. They leave you wanting more. They are cult and in demand.
Follow Kacy for more here.
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