Your favourite Australian designers share their favourite designers
image via @maroskepeech/instagram
as told to daisy henry
Your designer’s favourite designer.
Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival is almost among us. Soon, models, designers, industry alum and photographers will be lining the streets and Melbourne will turn into a fashion-fuelled frenzy (more it already is). It is, without pause, one of our favourite times of the year.
Though there are many reasons we’re excited for the 15-day program to officially kick off on February 22, getting to view the premium and independent runways is a great way to discover new and established designers.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
However, another great way to happen upon a new label is through word-of-mouth. There’s an immediate trust established when you ask a friend, or someone whose style you admire, where they love to shop. You know they have great taste, so it’s a safe bet that if you follow the trail, you might just find your new favourite designer.
Curious about who our fashion idols are idolising, we decided to ask eight designers from Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s runways to share who they love most in Australian fashion right now.
Matea Gluščević, designer, shoemaker and founder of Cakey Sportsman
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I’m most excited by Amy Christina Lawrence. Her unique silhouettes and various structural details really capture my attention. I’m really interested to see how this style of design problem-solving evolves, especially some of the details that remind me of curtain pleating – I love garments that look like they’re adapted from non-fashion items.
See the Cakey Sportsman: Volume One Runway here.
Natasha Veenhuizen, designer and director Van Der Kooij
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Right now, I’m obsessed with Lem Wear. The girls behind the brand are redefining wardrobe staples with their effortlessly stylish and thoughtfully curated pieces. Their designs have completely transformed my everyday wardrobe, offering a perfect blend of versatility and cool girl vibes. From timeless silhouettes to multi-wear versatility they are definitely one to watch!
See Van Der Kooij at the Glam Up Runway here.
Isabelle Hellyer, founder of All is a Gentle Spring
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I loved Sydney designer, Dylan Scott. I’m wearing a pair of his jeans as I write this. They’re the right shape, the right wash. I love the spirit of Dylan’s shop too, Love and Pop. Taken together I feel like he’s making something happen with real energy and life force.
See All is a Gentle Spring at the National Designer Award x David Jones Runway here.
Denni Francisco, founder and lead designer at Ngali
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I’m loving Chris Ran Lin! His creativity in knitwear is incredible and I find his design ethos so inspiring. He works across both menswear and womenswear, and I love how his pieces can be styled with different prints and textiles to bring a fresh, exciting element to wardrobe pieces. I think his designs have a unique appeal that really resonates with a fashion-savvy audience.
See Ngali at the Opening Night Runway here.
Lucinda Babi, founder of Lucinda Babi
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At the moment, I find myself most excited by labels that have carved out a space within the industry for what they do and they nail that niche. I’m thinking of Wed Studio’s bridal, E Nolan’s tailoring, Wales Bonner, All is a Gentle Spring – these labels all impress me for how they’ve stayed true to their identity and ethos. And I’m always admiring jewellery designers too. My favourites right now are Bella Clark, Xanthe Ficarra and Sable Jewellery.
See Lucinda Babi at the Block Party Runway x Every Bit Different here.
Tahnee Edwards, founder of Gammin Threads
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I love fun irreverent brands with strong graphics and a bit of cheek. My all-time fave is a UK brand called Lazy Oaf, they’re one of my biggest inspirations. They’re bold, fun, and don’t take themselves too seriously. Closer to home I also love Emma Mulholland on Holiday. She has that same playful energy but with a kitschy, Australian beach-town vibe.
See Gammin Threads at the Block Party Runway x Every Bit Different here.
Amelia Carlisle, designer and founder of It’s My Roommates
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I love everything that Matea Gluscevic does and I am so excited for their Cakey Sportsman runway debut. It’s going to add something playful in the mix! All is a Gentle Spring’s was also nominated for the National Design Award, which isn’t surprising given their recent timeless collection. I save and spend all my money on their amazing pieces. I can’t wait to see their showcase.
See It’s My Room Mate’s at the Attend To It Runway here.
Jackie Galleghan, founder, Creative Director and Head of Sustainability at Madre Natura
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I’m excited about all the student designers in the National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Runway. One of them is our intern, Alannah Walton! I’m always inspired and love supporting new talent. It brings my thoughts back to the start of my design journey when I see graduates and this makes me reflect on how much I have achieved over the years working in the industry and starting Madre Natura.
See Madre Natura at the Resort Glam Runway here.
Saige Coleman, founder of Saigey
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I’m endlessly inspired by the Naarm-based label, Maroske Peech. Its fusion of ballet core and vintage-inspired pieces is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. I’m especially obsessed with their high-cut geotards and the iconic Demi belt, which has endless styling possibilities. I’ve been following the label since its butterfly blouse era and I’m always eager to see what they do next.
See Saigey at the New Again Runway here.
Get your tickets to Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival here.
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