These are the finalists for the 2020 Australian Fashion Laureate awards

The Australian fashion industry’s highest honour has had a 2020 shake up.

The Australian Fashion Laureate, one of the most coveted awards in Australian fashion, celebrates the industry’s leaders, changemakers, innovators and tastemakers.

In light of the challenging – and yes, unprecedented – nature of this year, the 2020 Australian Fashion Laureate will focus in on the resilience, adaptability and creativity that members of the Australian fashion industry have shown.

Today, IMG announced the finalists of the 2020 awards, and this year marks some notable changes for the Australian Fashion Laureate.

Two new categories, Change and Innovation and Sustainable Innovation, have been created to replace the award’s usual categories of Womenswear Designer of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year and Model of the Year, and an AfterPay People’s Choice Award has been introduced.

Aside from the introduction of new categories and awards, this year’s choice of finalists shows a clear focus on sustainable practices and social enterprise.

It’s particularly exciting to see Victorian brands like Arnsdorf, A.BCH and Nobody Denim nominated in the Sustainable Innovation (established and emerging) categories. Read on for the full list of this year’s awards and finalists.

2020 Change and Innovation

The 2020 Change and Innovation award recognises fashion industry organisations and leaders that have shown exemplary performance and adaptability in dealing with COVID-19.

• Nobody Denim
• Showroom-X
• Gorman
• Fella Hamilton

Sustainable Innovation

This award was first introduced in 2019 and recognises designers that are demonstrating leadership, innovation and best practice in the sustainability sector. This year, the award has been split into the Emerging Designer and Established Designer categories.

Established Designer

• KITX
• Outland Denim
• Nobody Denim
• Bassike

Emerging Designer

• A.BCH
• Nagnata
• Arnsdorf
• Esse Studios

Best Australian Emerging Designer

This award recognises the next generation of Australian design talent in menswear, womenswear or accessories, who have shown outstanding leadership.

• Nagnata
• Esse Studios
• Maara Collective
• MNDATORY

2020’s People’s Choice

This new award allows consumers to vote for their favourite Australian fashion designers. Voting is now open and will close November 27. Head here to cast your vote.

Australian Fashion Laureate Lifetime Achievement

This is a lifetime achievement award, and in the past, it’s gone to Australian fashion heavyweights like Carla Zampatti, Collette Dinnigan and Akira Isogawa. The winner will be announced on December 1 2020.

@australianfashionlaureate.com