IMG names 2022 finalists of Australian Fashion Laureate

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Oct 12, 2022

IMG announced on Tuesday the finalists of the 2022 Australian Fashion Laureate, honouring the achievements of Australian fashion’s leaders and innovators. 

The Australian Fashion Laureate awards recognise designer talent across categories including Designer of the Year, Emerging Designer of the Year, Sustainable Innovation and People’s Choice.

This year's finalists include Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest, from Aje; and Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman, from Camilla and Marc, nominated for Designer of the Year, alongside Christopher Esber and Rachel Gilbert.

​Up for the Emerging Designer of the Year is Alix Higgins, and Jordan Dalah, who will square off against Jordan Gogos, from Iordanes Spyridon Gogos; and Lesleigh Jermanus, from Alémais.

Meanwhile, for the Sustainable Innovation of the Year award, ​Bianca Spender, and
Kit Willow from KITX were nominated, alongside Matt Jenson, from M.J. Bale; and
Sarah Munro and Robert Sebastian Grynkofki, from Sarah and Sebastian.

Among indigenous talent, Denni Francisco from Ngali; and Laura Thompson, from Clothing The Gaps, will go up against TJ Cowlishaw from Aarli; and Liandra Gaykamangu, from Liandra Swim, for the Indigenous Designer of the Year award.

Finally, the People’s Choice Award will give fashion fans the opportunity to award their favourite Australian fashion designer among finalists selected by IMG and Afterpay. 

In honour of the late Australian designer Carla Zampatti, IMG said it has introduced a new award this year, The Carla Zampatti Award for Excellence in Leadership. The winner will be announced at the opening night of Zampatti’s retrospective exhibition at the Powerhouse Ultimo on November 23.

“The Australian Fashion Laureate celebrates the hard work and creativity of Australia’s top designers and their role in the growth and global recognition of Australian fashion,” said Natalie Xenita, vice president, managing director of IMG’s fashion events and properties, Asia-Pacific.

“It’s fantastic to see designers that have emerged through Afterpay Australian Fashion Week go on to be recognised at the Laureate. This year’s group of finalists have demonstrated excellence in their craft and have been purposeful in utilising their platforms and influence to communicate important social, cultural, and environmental messages.”

​Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on November 22.