Fashion week took Australia by storm! The vibrant explosion of creativity and boldness filled the runways with a uniqueness that caught everyone’s attention. Each designer demonstrated their capabilities through their versatile collections. From Gail Sorronda’s flowy garments to Jordan Gogos and Akira Isogawa’s collaborative avant garde collection, there was something for everyone. Here’s a look at all the designers featured in the Australia Fashion Week:

Acler

https://shopacler.com/ https://www.instagram.com/acler/

Acler was founded in 2015 by Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto with the intention of creating pieces with high quality fabrics and hand draping techniques. Over the years Acler has perfected their craft and expanded their reach worldwide. Their collection for this season featured voluminous dresses, ruffles, bright colors, flowy skirts, mini dresses, and of course, intricate draping techniques.

Albus Lumen

https://www.albuslumen.com/ https://www.instagram.com/albuslumen/

Albus Lumen, which is Latin for white light, represents sophisticated simplicity and detailed minimalism. Founded by Marina Afonina, her take on the brand was effortless elegance. For this collection, Afonina truly encapsulated that effortless elegance with her relaxed silhouettes, neutral colors, precise tailoring, and breathable fabric.

Alemais

https://alemais.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alemais.official/?hl=en

Alemais prides itself on its sustainable and ethical practices. The brand sticks true to its core objectives of creating exaggerated shapes, unique textiles, and hand-crafted embroideries. For fashion week, they presented the ‘Kaboom” collection. Influenced by the 60s, 70s, and 80s, this collection showcased floral, metallica, sequins, and leather tailorings.

Alix Higgins

https://www.alixhiggins.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alixhiggins/?hl=en

New to the scene, Alix higgins presented his second runway show ever. His print making skills brought a fun and fresh perspective to the runway. Drawing inspiration for the current digital culture, this collection of gender-neautral pieces was decorated with humor from the internet and queer-wordplays.

Anna Quan

https://annaquan.com/en-us https://www.instagram.com/annaquanlabel/

Anna Quan was founded in 2013 with the purpose to re-image the classic white t-shirt. Over the years the brand has cultivated their effortless minimalism style in a special way and expanded to all sorts of pieces. For their AAFW runway show, the brand presented a mix of bold and neutral colored sophisticated stample pieces. From button downs to slip dresses to skirts to blazers, they elevated the simple look.

Auteur

https://auteurstudio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/auteur.studio/

Auteur’s founder, Lucinda Taffs, characterizes the brand as bold and exciting. The brand draws inspiration from vintage clothes and strong women that love to express themselves through clothes. With their latest collection, they demonstrate just that. The muse for the collection was Mother Nature and her power under the sea.

ASIYAM

https://www.asiyam.com/ https://www.instagram.com/asiyam.au/?hl=en

With a strong focus on Arabian aesthtics, ASIYAM designs simple, relaxed pieces. Asia Hassan, the founder, states that modesty is the future of fashion and held the event’s first ever all-modest runway show at this years Australia Fashion Week. The collection represented freedom, movement, and lightness which was demonstrated with its flowy fabrics and relaxed fits.

Bec & Bridge

https://www.becandbridge.com/ https://www.instagram.com/becandbridge/

BEC + BRIDGE celebrates confidence and strength. They pride themselves in being the ultimate ‘cool girl’ uniform. This brand is for those that don't stray away from trying new styles and going after what they want. For their latest collection, they highlighted the 90’s grunge look in a modern way.

Bianca Spender

https://biancaspender.com/ https://www.instagram.com/biancaspender/

Bianaca Spender has been a leading australian designer for over 10 years with a family history in fashion. Her knowledge has helped propel her brand’s profession journey. The concept

behind the latest collection is ‘softness’ highlighting the airy and fluid garments that drape softly on the body.

BLANCA

https://blanca.shop/ https://www.instagram.com/blanca_studio/?hl=en

BLANCA characterizes itself as feminine, confident, nonchalant, and relaxed. The designs serve as timeless pieces that one repeatedly goes back and rewears in different occasions. Their latest collection, A Sumptuous Summer, represent youthfulness and spontaneity that welcomes the beginning of the summer season.

Bondi Born

https://bondiborn.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bondibornaustralia/

Designers Dale Mccarth and Karla Clarke created BONDI BORN to represent elegant swimwear and apparel. For their latest collection, theres was an emphasis on simple breeziness with a fun color palette that had a mix of neutrals, bright colors, and warm tones, ideal for the summer. The collection featured silks, linens, and high quality fabrics.

Caroline Reznik

https://carolinereznik.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/carolinereznik/?hl=en

Caroline Reznik is a ballerina turned designer that uses her past to influence her designs. Debuting at this years Australia Fashion Week, Caroline Reznik shows her approach on the trending “balletcore’ as well as exploring sensual pieces that accentuate the female body.

Christian Kimber

https://christiankimber.com/ https://www.instagram.com/christian_kimber/

The Australian based brand focuses on menswear. The creator, Christian Kimber, devoted his designs to appreciate the australian lifestyle. He describes is his designs as durable, breathable and comfortable pieces. The most recent collection was centered around a contemporary-modern take on menswear with a meticulous attention to detail in every piece.

COMMAS

https://commas.cc/en-us

https://www.instagram.com/commas/

Founded in 2017 by Richard Jarman, COMMAS has become a sensation in the swimwear industry. With a strong focus on resort wardrobe, the brand creates modern, clean, and classic silhouettes. Their latest collection represented an escape from urban bordeness and promised relaxation in the form of fabric and fluidity.

CUE

https://www.cue.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cueclothingco/

Since the 1960s, CUE has represented the demand for youth fashion. The mix of grunge and coolness that all youths lead towards when exploring their style and expressing their feelings. Their AAFW 23’ collection was no different, showing off a mix of raw grunge and daring glamour to provide the ultimate youth lookbook.

ERIK-YVON

https://erikyvon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/erik_yvon/?hl=en

Erik- Yvon created his namebrand to create dynamic pieces that have a combination of zestful elements like colors, prints, shapes, and textures. The brand prides itself on being ethical and soley selling online in a limited edition basis. For the latest collection, the brand didnt stray away from their objectives and created fun, hyper-saturated pieces inspired by Erik-Yvon’s Mauritius root and the country’s landscapes.

Gail Sorronda

https://www.gailsorronda.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gailsorronda/

Gail Sorronda comes back to AAFW after 8 years to show off her unique approach to Australian fashion. Since 2005, Sorronda has leaned into the almost gothic style of design making the brand stand out amongst other australian fashion brands. For this years collection, it’s evident that Gail Sorronda has taken the time to master her craft and demonstrates black and white look that are adorned with collars, voluminous sleeves, layered designs, and high-quality fabrics.

Gary Bigeni

https://garybigeni.com/ https://www.instagram.com/garybigeni/?hl=en

Gary Bigeni’s unique approach to fashion induces an eagerness to get his original design and pieces. Since 2003 his collections have been a staple at AFW as he has built a reputation of masterful designs. The brand prides itself on being ethical and sustainable by having all designs be hand-painted by Gary onto ethically sourced materials and made ina made-to-order fashion.

This years collections highlighted his talents by illustrating his gender-neutral pieces in prints and bright colors.

HAULIER

https://haulier.international/ https://www.instagram.com/haulier.international/

Established in 2020 by founder Jeremy Hershan, the brand is designed to be full of life and timeless. HAULIER is built on quality as the brand stands by the fact that quality is the ultimate luxury. WIth their main focus being superior quality goods and lasting fashion in the gender-neutral leisurewear, the brand made their AAFW debut by showcasing the perfect summer collection of chic sportiness.

HENNE

https://www.henne.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/henne_/

Founded in 2019 by Nadia Bartel, Michelle Ring and Laura Broque, Henne offers a minimalist contemporary deign to mindful fashion. The purpose of thei brands pieces is to providing a lasting sense of warmth, confidence, and inspiration. For their AAFW 2023 runway show, Henne showcased a combination of 80s power style and Y2K to create a trendy, timeless collection.

Ikuntji Artists

https://ikuntji.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/ikuntjiartists/

Ikuntji Artists was the first art centre established for women of the Western Desert art movement. The not-for-profit centre provides teh community of Haasta Bluff a chance to dvelop their creativity. For this years AAFW, Ikuntji Artists presented their first-ever solo show and demonstrated their skills by combining the heritage and art of their community with fashion to create stunning pieces.

INJURY

https://theinjury.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/theinjury/

Founded in 2004 by Eugene Leung, INJURY is rooted in liberation and freeform. The brand describes itself as the hybrid of everyday basics with avant-garde styles that create transformative pieces for non-conformists. Their latest collection represented that with their belt boots, spiky purse, and overall individualist style.

Indigenous Fashion Projects

https://www.ifp.org.au/

https://www.instagram.com/indigenousfashionprojects/

Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) supports Indigenous Australians that work in textiles and fashion and provides development programs, resources, mentoring opportunities, and promotional events. The company’s purpose is to celebrate the creations of the world’s oldest continuous cultures. The latest collection presented a diverse collection of contemporary fashion styles. The designers that worked of this collection were: Gali, Joseph & James, Ihraa Swim, Kamara Australia, Gammin Threads, Lazy Girl Lingerie, and Miimi & Jiinda.

Iordanes Spyridon Gogos

https://www.iordanesspyridongogos.com/ https://www.instagram.com/iordanesspyridongogos/?hl=en

Jordan Gogos, the founder behind Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, created the brand to provided “wearables for the imaginative.” The brand is experimentals, gender-neutral, and innovative. Gogos passion for textiles is evident in the brands collections. For their latest collection, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos used a mix of materials and fabrics to create avant-garde pieces that demonstrated the brands unique artistry.

JOSLIN

https://joslinstudio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joslin_studio/?hl=en

Founded in 2018 by Elinor Mclnnes, JOSLIN was created as a premium fashion label. The brand characterizes itself as a romantic, timeless elegance, and alluring resort-inspired company. For the AAFW show, the brand highlighted their signature timeless detailing of ruffles, crochet, bows, and buttons.

Karla Spetic

https://karlaspetic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/karlaspetic/

Founded in 2008, Karla Spetic’s self titled brand has become locally and globally recognized for its soft tailoring and feminine fabrications. The brand creates fun, minimalist, modern pieces. With her new collection, Karla Spetic demonstrates just that. She features asymmetrical tailoring, cut-outs, purposeful layering, and high-quality materials that all enhance the human body.

Macgraw

https://macgraw.com/ https://www.instagram.com/macgrawlove/

Launched in 2012 by sisters Beth and Tessa MacGraw, their main goal with Macgraw was to introduce a fresh take on femininity and free-spirited opulence. Unique fabrications are important to their design process with the majority of fabrics developed in-house from sketches with all original artwork hand drawn in the studio by Tessa. Macgraw took to the streets for AAFW ‘23 by presenting dreamy, delicate and detailed oriented fashion pieces with floaty fabrics, lace and sequins through the collection.

Maggie Marilyn

https://www.maggiemarilyn.com/ https://www.instagram.com/maggiemarilyn/

Maggie Marilyn believes that our planet's survival hinges on its ability to dream up a better tomorrow, which is why she set out to create a fashion brand where both people and the planet could thrive. No longer hamstrung by the rigorous demands of wholesalers, Maggie Marilyn introduced Somewhere, the brand's line of evergreen essentials designed to sit within a circular business model and perfectly complement the limited, timeless and seasonless designs of what is now known as Forever. At AAFW ‘23, Maggie Marilyn decided to take its tender first steps to become the globally-lauded, pioneering and sustainably stylish brand it’s now recognised as.

MICHAEL LO SORDO

https://www.michaellosordo.com/en-us https://www.instagram.com/michaellosordo/

Michael Lo Sordo established his brand in 2006 and since has become a cult favorite on the local and international sector. With a vast experience with textiles, creative genealogy, and an inherent understanding of style, Michael has a strong vision for quality and consistency. The eponymous brand is committed to creating staple yet unique statement pieces to create a romantic, minimalist, sophisticated look. For the latest runway show, the brand presented timeless, sophisticated pieces that can be used continuously for all sorts of occasions.

Nicol & Ford

http://nicolandford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nicolandford/

Nicol & Ford is an ethically emerging label helmed by Katie-Louise and Lilian Nicol-Ford in Sydney, Australia. With a focus on silhouette, textile and texture, Nicol & Ford produces classically “feminine” silhouettes for all gender identities, empowering the contemporary social deconstruction of binaries by revisiting and subverting traditional understandings of glamor and construction. Their latest collection was inspired by the Great Comet of 1811 and highlighted feminine silhouettes with ruffles, strategic cutouts, and frills around the neckline.

Ngali

https://ngali.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/ngali_australia/

Ngali brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to the world of clothing and collectibles. Translating to “we” or “us” Ngali is centered around a harmonious, sustainable and equitable union of people. The concept of the brand is to bring the artwork to life on fabrics using print adaptations. The brand made history at this years AAFW by becoming the first ever First Nations Designer to present a solo show at Australia Fashion Week. They showcased looks that featured art inspired by the land of Torres Strait Island.

Phoebe Pendergast

https://www.phoebependergast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/phoebe.pendergast/

Phoebe endergast presents a contemporary, sporty, yet sultry, collection in AAFW ‘23 show, which highlighted upcoming talent in a series of capsule collections. The eight-look collection was brimming with unexpected cutouts, vibrant hues, modern sportswear, and maze-like patchwork. Phoebe Pendergast thought process is all about designing pieces that will empower women and help find their own sense of sexuality, while also finding a balance between masculine and feminine at the same time.

WACKIE JU

https://wackieju.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wackie.ju/?hl=en

Wackie Ju is a fashion oriented multi-disciplinary practice by Narm based designer Jackie Wu. The label incorporates couture, visual making, art curation and multimedia to present an immersive non-binary utopia, all garments are designed and individually manufactured locally. Wu presented whimsical, genderless designs and thought-provoking messages at AAFW ‘23 with the extremes of toxic masculinity and femininity with an intention of symbolizing and criticizing the corrupted side of the capital centric postmodernist sociological system.

Article by Gabriela Gonzalez, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Isabella Gonzalez, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

Australia Fashion Week Designers May 2023