Australia's fashion landscape has always held a special place in our hearts. Each year, as fashion week approaches in our calendars, we look towards the emerging designers here at home for inspiration and refreshment. Last year, fashion was flipped on its head by two Jordan's – Dalah and Gogos – with their debut collections that saw joy and energy at the forefront. One year on, our collective COVID-19 hangover is beginning to somewhat ease, and the idea of launching a new label feels less daunting than it did in 2020. I digress, Australia is a melting pot of talent and it is endlessly exciting to witness it come to life, which is why we've rounded up 7 emerging Australian designers that are making our world go round, below.
Iordanes Spyridon Gogos
For last year's AAFW shows, Jordan Gogos was the name on everyones lips following the show for his debut collection. Energy that hit you at full speed, an audience of loyal friends and supporters yelling and clapping encouragement as a barrage of models walked/performed clad in his technicolour pieces. The collection was created in collaboration with a range of artists to bring the show to life in a way that many of us have not witnessed here before. Often, the success of a brand is attributed to a creative lead who will occasionally shout out their team, but not Gogos. Crediting every single artist who worked across the collection and show, Gogos has been working behind the scenes for the year until it's time to debut his next collection. You can read more about what's next for the designer, here.
Common Hours
If you've been paying attention, one might recognise Common Hours from their artistically driven campaigns, or from endless magazine covers and appearances on some of Australia's most beloved musicians, but the optics aren't even the most special thing about the brand. Founder Amber Symond built the brand, which originated as luxury, wearable robes and has morphed into couture-like gowns and coats, out of a desire to create garments that are second to none in the Australian market. Intricately crafted and slowly ideated, Common Hours is one to watch if wearable art and a commitment to considered production sounds good to you.
Jordan Dalah
After making seismic waves following his AAFW debut last year, the Central Saint Martins graduate has returned to home soil to work on his off-beat brand. Volume meets innovation with Dalah's pillow-like silhouettes, marrying femininity with surrealism in silk shift dresses, structured skirts, and oversized sleeves.
Beare Park
After launching at AAFW last year, Beare Park caught our attention for its quiet approach to quality silhouettes. A new player in the luxury Australian market, each of Beare Park's pieces are designed and made right here, and focus on pieces that can be worn over and over again, on anyone, within your forever wardrobe.
Maroske Peech
Maybe you saw one of their pieces in season 2 of Euphoria, maybe you've heard one of your co-workers trying to pronounce the brand name. Either way, Maroske Peech are in the zeitgeist, and we couldn't be more excited. With inspiration drawn from their backgrounds in dance, Melbourne-based designer Elisa Keeler and Jordan Conder are riding the waves that their creations have made for them. Next time you see us in strappy leggings or a tie dye tie front top, you'll know where it's from.
Alix Higgins
Most recognisable for his clingy, psychedelic spandex clubwear printed with prose in digital fonts, designer and musician Alix Higgins is one to watch in Sydney. Showing this year at AAFW for the first time, we can't wait to witness his figure-hugging, hypnotic pieces on the runway.
ESSE
Founded by Charlotte Hicks, ESSE is a contemporary, ready-to-wear lifestyle brand with sustainability at the forefront of its identity. Through small, thoughtfully curated capsule collections, Hicks offers expertly made pieces that stand the test of trends and time. Look no further for your go-to for tailoring, summer dresses, and silks.
