With a multitude of international labels now shoppable at both Australian stores and online, it can sometimes be easy to gloss over Australia’s homegrown designers. But now we’re in the thick of 2020, it’s time to get acquainted with the next generation—creating plenty of deserving wardrobe space for up and coming Aussie designers.
Saroka
This Melbourne-based label caters to all sizes, with each garment hand made to order in Australia. Based around the slow and sustainable fashion movement, Saroka’s collection is made up of elegant staple pieces created from quality fabrics and designed to be worn for many years.
Shop at: Saroka
Image: @saroka___official
Nagnata
This Byron Bay-born lifestyle brand creates chic, functional active wear in jewel-toned knits and fashion-forward silhouettes. From organic cotton leggings to merino wool bodysuits, prepare for Nagnata’s designs to become your everyday favourites.
Shop at: Nagnata
Image: @nagnata_
SIR The Label
Co-founders Sophie Coote and Nikkie Campbell sensed a gap in the market for elevated basics, so they started SIR to fill it. Pretty cotton sundresses, broderie anglaise shirts and cosy, everyday knits are punctuated by slightly more statement pieces, like shirred patterned dresses, tiered maxi skirts and tailored short shorts.
Shop at: SIR The Label
Image: @sir_thelabel
Brie Leon
Founded in 2014 by designer Janine Zafra, accessories brand Brie Leon has a focus on core pieces designed to be worn everyday, like chunky pearl earrings,classic sunglasses and tortoiseshell handbags.
Shop at: Brie Leon
Image: @brie_leon
ST. AGNI
Husband-and-wife duo Lara and Matt Fells infused their footwear and clothing label ST. AGNI with an undeniably Byron Bay-esque aesthetic—bringing the town they call home to a plethora of It-girl wardrobes. Launched by a Net-A-Porter capsule launch, you won’t put a foot wrong this summer in the label’s trademark mules.
Shop at: ST. AGNI
Image: @stagnistudio
Alex And Trahanas
Establishing themselves as a ‘Lifestyle project’ just as much as they are a clothing line, Alex And Trahanas’ free-flowing, wearable garments add an undeniably boutique feel to basicwear. As the brainchild of Heleena Trahanas—the PR & Marketing manager of Dionsaur Designs—we wouldn’t expect anything less chic.
Shop at: Alex And Trahanas
Image: @alexandtrahanas
Maggie Marilyn
Okay, so we know Maggie Marilyn is technically from across the Tasman, but the boutique New Zealand label also embodies everything we love about Australian independent design. Counting celebrity fans like Olivia Munn, Michelle Williams and Kate Hudson doesn’t exactly hurt, either.
Shop at: Maggie Marilyn
Image: @maggiemarilyn
Sans Beast
Former Mimco creative director Cathryn Wills parlayed her years of experience helming an accessories juggernaut into her new, wildly chic vegan leather venture, Sans Beast. Stella McCartney whom?
Shop at: Sans Beast
Image: @sans.beast
Pereira Fitzgerald
Created by Australian duo Bella Pereira and Gemma Fitzgerald in 2015, Pereira Fitzgerald specialises in streamlined, modern garments, often featuring a hint of unobtrusive pattern. Perfect for summertime.
Shop at: Pereira Fitzgerald
Image: Perreira Fitzgerald
Anna Quan
Quan’s eponymous label isn’t exactly brand-new to the Australian fashion scene, but her famous blazers and structured pieces are deservedly picking up traction. Currently, we’re lusting after the corduroy iteration of her signature formalwear.
Shop at: Anna Quan
Image: @annaquanlabel
Client Liaison Deluxe Line
Hallmark Australian band Client Liaison’s new luxe clothing line is far, far removed from any other form of generic band merch. Make sure you add-to-cart one of their ’90s-esque logo tees or sweaters, stat.
Shop at: Client Liaison Deluxe Line
Image: @cl.deluxeline
Nelson Made
Pick your colour, shape, leather and more when purchasing a pair of luxury sandals from Nelson Made, who reign as undoubtedly one of Australia’s chicest customisable labels. Their eco-friendly, ethical mantra even incorporates tortoiseshell-printed leather, velvet (pictured) and linen. Take your pick.
Shop at: Nelson Made
Image: @nelson.made
A.EMERY
A.EMERY’s ‘chic black sandals’ can be dressed just as couture as they can be casual, for everything from work to beaching and the like. Dependable black flats are so much more wearable, and often just as elegant, as heels.
Shop at: A.EMERY
Image: A.EMERY
