In a dazzling testament to his Australian fashion's burgeoning global influence, Christopher Esber, the Sydney-based womenswear designer known for his masterful blend of sensuality and structure, has been crowned the winner of the illustrious ANDAM Fashion Award for 2024 – the top prize at the Andam Fashion Awards in Paris overnight.
This accolade, revered as one of the highest honours in the fashion realm, recognises Esber’s unwavering commitment to innovation and his ability to reimagine contemporary elegance.
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What is the ANDAM Fashion Award?
The ANDAM Fashion Award, established in 1989, has a storied legacy of spotlighting emerging talents who shape the future of fashion.
Esber, handpicked from a selection of 12 visionary finalists, will be bestowed with a €300,000 (AU$483,000) grant to elevate his label, along with an exclusive 12-month mentorship under the discerning eye of Saint Laurent's creative maestro and head judge, Anthony Vaccarello. It's a match made in fashion heaven if you ask us – and we'd absolutely love to see Esber one day at a House like Saint Laurent. We have our fingers tightly crossed for his bright future.
Who were some of the award's past winners?
By clinching this prestigious prize, Esber joins an elite roster of past winners, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer. This year's competition was fierce, with designers from around the world presenting their most avant-garde creations, yet it was Esber's unique vision that captivated the judges and earned him this esteemed recognition.
Notable recipients of this prestigious award include Martin Margiela, who won the inaugural award in 1989, and Viktor & Rolf, who claimed the prize in 1994.
In more recent years, the award has gone to a diverse group of designers. For example, Iris Van Herpen won in 2014, Stéphane Ashpool of Pigalle in 2015, and Wanda Nylon in 2016. Other notable winners include Anthony Vaccarello in 2011, Julien David in 2012, and Ami Alexandre Mattiussi in 2013. The ANDAM Fashion Award continues to be a benchmark for emerging talent, providing winners with significant financial support and invaluable mentorship opportunities.
Esber's fashion journey ...
Esber’s journey to this pinnacle of fashion began with a clear, uncompromising vision. Esber launched his eponymous label in 2010, making a notable debut at last year’s Paris Fashion Week after years of establishing his presence through showrooms and buying appointments.
His designs, a harmonious interplay of architectural lines and fluid drapery, have consistently pushed the boundaries of modern womenswear. From his early collections, which captivated the Australian fashion scene, to his current global influence, Esber has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with.
Esber’s latest collection, showcased in Paris, was a symphony of contrasts – sleek, minimalistic silhouettes juxtaposed with intricate detailing and unexpected textures. Each piece told a story of empowerment, inviting the wearer to embrace their individuality with confidence and grace. The collection’s reception was nothing short of spectacular, with fashion critics and aficionados alike singing praises of Esber’s unparalleled craftsmanship and creativity.
