Fashion Designing in Australia
There are numerous fashion design programs offered across Australia. The criteria for admission vary, but most institutions require an interview and portfolio. The cost of a program varies according to location, but there are many benefits of pursuing fashion design as a career. Read on to find out how to get started! In this article, we look at two of the leading fashion design programs in Australia. Find out about their educational offerings, their industry experience, and their B Corp certification.
Ana Huong’s aesthetic
There is a calming, elegant aesthetic to Anna Huong’s fashion designs that are instantly recognizable. Her clothing is infused with artful inspirations and minimal silhouettes that create a sexy, yet understated, statement. She is also renowned for her white shirting, sleek, powerful suits, and effortless cool. In contrast, Kym Ellery’s collections are more avant-garde and bold. While her clothing is crafted for everyday wear, her designs are incredibly versatile, with statement-making occasion pieces.
Australian designer Lee Mathews, who founded the label Lee Mathews, uses abstract art and craftsmanship to create timeless, minimalist pieces. Ana Huong’s aesthetic is one of refined tailoring and perfection in the details of her clothes. Her distinctive aesthetic combines technicality and sensuality. Alice McCall is a playful and quirky label, launching at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia in 2004, Alice McCall has gone on to become a global brand.
Kym Ellery’s design philosophy
Born in Perth, Western Australia, Kym Ellery grew up in a creative household and went on to study fashion design at Central Saint Martins in London. She then went on to work at renowned Australian fashion magazine Russh before launching her own women’s fashion label. Her collections are renowned for their sculptural silhouettes, elegant drapes, and the ethereal romantic mood they impart.
Inspired by the architectural world, Ellery used a palette of high-end materials and fabrics to create an ethereal, feminine look. Ellery often works with a surprising range of textures and uses voluminous shapes to create a sculptural silhouette. She also draws inspiration from film, art, social and political movements, as well as popular culture. In her latest collection, she’s exploring the idea of femininity with an avant-garde aesthetic.
Her oversized silhouettes and tailored dresses are the hallmarks of her brand, but her latest eyewear range channels the intellectual French bon vivant spirit. Ellery’s collaboration with Specsavers has now gone into its third year. Ellery has recreated classic cat-eye frames with graphic wonder, as well as round and square prescription glasses. The French women have inspired Ellery’s latest collection. The result is a fusion of fashion and art.
Bec & Bridge
Bec & Bridge is a local fashion brand loved by stars and influencers alike. In the past, their designs have been seen on Kendall Jenner, who received thousands of likes on Instagram for her Bec & Bridge dress. Their style is both accessible and aspirational, and their home is as well-edited as their clothes. But why is this brand so popular in Australia?
The brand, founded in 1991 by Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, is dedicated to blending ready-to-wear fashion with resort wear and swimwear. Their distinctive aesthetic combines feminine details, a touch of sweet sophistication, and vibrant colors and prints. Whether you’re looking for a statement-making occasion dress or an everyday essential, Aje is a designer to look to. Their work combines the latest trends in style with a commitment to sustainable practices.
Bec & Bridge achieve B Corp certification
Founded in 2001, Bec & Bridge is one of the most popular womenswear labels in Australia. Founded by friends Bridget Yorsten and Bec Cooper, the fashion label has dressed countless celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. The company’s approach to marketing and fabric selection has also changed over the years. In order to achieve B Corp certification, the brand has implemented a number of environmental and social initiatives.
While a business is in existence to make a profit, Bec & Bridge’s business model revolves around the ethical sourcing of fabrics and avoiding harmful chemicals. This philosophy extends beyond their clothing line. As an apparel company, the brand is also committed to helping disadvantaged Australian communities. For every garment sold, they plant five trees. The clothes are made from 30 to 100 percent recycled material. To make their commitments more impactful, OORR contributes 5% of its revenue to charity.
Arnsdorf
Jade Sarita Arnott is an Australian lifestyle and fashion journalist who relaunched the Arnsdorf label in 2016. The label has since expanded into Australia and the US and currently operates in three locations: an Atelier in Melbourne, an online boutique, and a brick-and-mortar store in New York. Arnsdorf is founded on moral principles, and Jade discusses her desire to develop new processes and cross-industry barriers.
Initially based in New York, Arnsdorf relocated to Melbourne in 2017. In 2017, she established a factory in Melbourne and moved the production in-house, while retaining oversight of the supply chain. She employs a team of up to 12 highly skilled people in the factory and creates clothing exclusively for Arnsdorf customers. Arnsdorf also has two retail locations in Melbourne.
Arnsdorf rejects the traditional fashion model and instead focuses on core collections and small seasonal drops. Her Collingwood factory is environmentally-friendly, and all the pieces are produced locally. Arnsdorf has even been awarded B Corp certification and Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation. The brand is aiming for a closed-loop label in the near future, which climate activists are calling into existence.
Beare Park
The first collection by Beare Park, a new fashion brand based in Sydney, was a showcase of the best in Australian design. The label was founded by Angela Krantz and Gabriella Pereira with the aim of providing Australian women with high-quality fashion. The first show featured a performance by the Abbotsleigh Girls Choir, which was followed by the models wearing beautifully crafted, minimalist ensembles. The brand is now gaining international recognition and has already sold out five of its six teddy coats.
Beare Park is an Australian fashion label, designed and made in Australia by Gabriella Pereira. The clothing is practical for everyday wear, yet defies current fashion trends. The brand is committed to ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices and is known for its fusion of neutral, classic, and ultra-sophisticated eveningwear. In fact, most Beare Park collections are created for women who want to look elegant and sophisticated without having to sacrifice functionality.
A new collection of clothing has been revealed at the Australian Afterpay Fashion Week. Despite the hiccup in the fashion industry, Julie Bishop stole the show with her leopard print dress. Phoebe Burgess, meanwhile, made an appearance in the tiniest bikini ever. Taking the sheer trend a notch higher, Beare Park took it to a new level, with sheer outfits, off-shoulder tops, baggy pants, and a number of other interesting combinations.
Alice McCall
Alice McCall is an Australian fashion designer. Her style is characterized by youthful Bohemian styling. She is famous for bringing modernity to classic party dresses, jumpsuits, and statement pieces. McCall launched her first flagship store in Sydney’s Darlinghurst and has recently opened another location in Melbourne’s South Yarra. As a fashion industry innovator, McCall has collaborated with other brands to develop diffusion collections. In 2006, Vogue UK named Alice McCall the best newcomer of the season.
In 2004, McCall traded her career as a stylist to become a full-time fashion designer. She presented her first collection at Australia Fashion Week, and the label quickly became a hit. Her clothing has since been stocked at over 165 boutiques worldwide, as well as major specialty stores in the Asia Pacific region and around the world. In addition to retail stores, her e-commerce store, alicemccall.com, has boosted the sales of her collection.
The Australian fashion designer has been in a rocky financial situation for a few months and has now enlisted administrators to help her with her brand. McCall’s brand was built on celebration dressing, with nods to the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Her work has been worn by celebrities including Kristen Stewart and Kate Moss. However, her business has taken a turn for the worse since McCall reportedly declared bankruptcy.
