We asked our favourite designers for their favourite designer
PHOTOGRAPHER Jess Garcia
as told to daisy henry
Your favourite designer’s favourite designer.
I’ve found some of my all-time favourite writers through recommendations. Most books will come with a handful of short, complimentary blurbs on the cover from fellow authors. Whenever I see someone I know praising the work of a writer I’m unfamiliar with, I immediately pick it up.
Songs are similar – when I listen to an album and see an unknown artist featured on a song, I always click through to listen more to their work. And nine times out of 10, I end up loving it. Doing this has solidified for me thatthe best ways to find new art is by following the thread. The same goes for fashion.
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While we all have our favourites, there’s no shortage of talented, boundary-pushing designers in Australia. So, in the spirit of your favourite drag queen’s favourite drag queen, Sasha Colby, we figured we’d help expand the circle by asking some of our favourite designers about their favourite designers. From iconic independent artists to emerging labels, here’s what they said.
Jordan Gogos of Iordanes Spyridon Gogos
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Chosen by: Wilson Jedd Adams
“One of my favourite designers is Jordan Gogos. I’m drawn to his use of colour, ability to push silhouettes, fusing his work with an underlying message and prowess to clash art, fashion and culture in his runways. His runways are always a moment.
When I was looking at his work at the Melbourne Fashion Week closing runway display, it was clear the amount of rigorous work that has been placed in creating one of his pieces. I love his approach to forming new textiles and maximalism.”
Steph Troiano of Wholehearted
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Chosen by: Matea Gluscevic of Cakey Sportsman
“Steph Troiano, the designer from Wholehearted, did her work experience with me, and she just finished her final collection at Collarts. Through her internship, I got to know her and the ethos behind her work, which is largely about sustainability and sincerity. This aligns so much with what I do and really makes her work special to me. It’s also super cute and I love her interest in volume and textures!”
Amy Lawrance
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Chosen by: Karla Špetić
“Being based in Melbourne, I feel especially connected to Amy Lawrance’s work. I’ve come across her collections at Australian Fashion Week and admire the intentionality behind them. Her pieces feel conceptually driven yet intimate, sculptural silhouettes balanced with a quiet femininity and exceptional craftsmanship. There’s strength in the tailoring and detailing, but nothing feels loud or trend-led. The pieces seem considered and deeply personal.”
Wynn Crawshaw of Wynn Hamlyn
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Chosen by: Karla Špetić
“From New Zealand, Wynn Hamlyn stands out to me. I’ve always felt New Zealand designers carry a certain clarity, and his work embodies that. I’m drawn to his thoughtful pattern-making, play with colour and texture, and the way each garment feels resolved yet fresh. Both designers speak in their own distinct language, something I deeply respect.”
Erik Yvon
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Chosen by: Baaqiy
“My favourite local designer right now is Erik Yvon. I’d heard of him since fashion school, but only met him properly last year when I reached out to him about stocking some of my pieces at his store, Shop Dussy. Since then, we’ve become friends and have always been rooting for each other. I think Erik has a good sense for what his customers want from his brand, and he always delivers on that.
His recent couture collection is so phenomenal and shows a different sensibility to him as a designer. Last year, I helped Erik with some of the pieces from the collection, and I was able to get to know him a little bit more as a person and as a designer. Apart from his talent, I think people also gravitate towards Erik for his kindness and warmth, and his contribution to the queer and POC community. I have so much respect for that.”
Rachel Johnston of Eeyo
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Chosen by: Renee Henderson of Lychee Alkira
“I have two favourite emerging Australian designers at the moment. Both of which I discovered on TikTok. The first is Eeyo and the second is Asa Fields.
I love watching both their processes when it comes to design, sampling and construction. I find them both so inspiring and relatable. Eeyo creates the most beautiful, bright, and unique prints. Which are featured on the cutest tops, dresses and mini shorts – I’m lucky to own one at the moment.”
Georgia Smedley of Asa Fields
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Chosen by: Renee Henderson of Lychee Alkira
“The second designer on my radar is Georgia Smedley, the designer behind Asa Fields. She makes the most elegant and feminine dresses and corsets, which are so intricately constructed and sewn. They’re definitely at the top of my wish list!
Daisy Rose
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Chosen by: Jackie Galleghan of Madre Natura
“I’ve really been drawn to Daisy Rose, the designer behind Sleight of Hand label. I met her at the Elle Design Awards and was struck by her quiet confidence and clarity of vision. Her work feels both restrained and emotionally considered, with a strong sense of purpose behind each piece.
There’s an integrity to her approach that I deeply respect, and it’s exciting to see designers like her contributing to a thoughtful and optimistic future for Australian fashion.”
For more on Australian fashion and design, try this.
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