Contemporary, chic, and designed with ease, these Australian fashion designers are staples to have in your wardrobe all year round
Besides their easy-going disposition, excellent food, and breathtaking beaches, if there’s one other thing you should know about Australia, it’s their fashion. Much like their cultural character, Aussie style personifies the modern woman. She’s chic. She knows her proportions, and dresses to suit them.
Beautifully tailored and exceptionally designed, we’ve crafted a list of our favorite designers from down under that breathe a refreshing lightness into the oh-so-serious world of fashion.
Scanlan Theodore
Founded in 1987 by Fiona Scanlan and Gary Theodore, Melbourne-born fashion house Scanlan Theodore has long built its reputation within the Australian fashion sphere as a beacon of contemporary yet timeless style.
Known for their clean cuts, effortless silhouettes, and distinct feminine aesthetic, the brand continues to grow globally. Apart from their online business, Scanlan Theodore currently has over 18 retail boutiques in Australia. They opened their first international space in New York City’s Flat Iron District in 2018 and has since opened four more locations in the United States.
Aje
Fun, fresh, and distinctly cool, Aje (pronounced “eyj”; or “age”) was born out of a love for effortless essentials and statement occasion pieces. The brand’s ethos of raw beauty and tough femininity is evident in its urban-to-coastal design sensibility. Untamed volume and dreamy silhouettes populate the design house’s collections—perfect for adding a bit of playfulness to your thread rotations.
Zimmermann
At a glance, you could spot a Zimmermann piece from a mile away. One of the biggest and brightest fashion houses born in Australia, the brand’s unique color combinations and unique textiles have earned them a loyal following that goes even beyond Hollywood A-listers. Apart from their exceptional ready-to-wear collections, Zimmermann’s take on swimwear is reflective of their understanding and take on sophisticated Aussie style.
Rachel Gilbert
Fashion designer Rachel Gilbert has been a longtime favorite of many brides since it launched back in 2007, and for good reason. Gilbert’s take on the modern bride melds contemporary feminine flair with classic timelessness. The brand’s eveningwear and ready-to-wear collections also prove to be a favorite, uniquely reflecting the founder’s design sensibilities through more wearable shapes and silhouettes perfect for every day.
St. Agni
A favorite among celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Rosalía, St. Agni’s sleek yet relaxed pieces stand true to their belief of “less is more.” Often using natural textiles such as cotton, linen, and silk, the Byron Bay-born brand is driven by “the appeal of the modern uniform.”
Dion Lee
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Dion Lee’s precise tailoring and explorative silhouettes have pioneered Australian fashion through a more daring and unapologetic lens. With each collection, the eponymous fashion brand reimagines classic designs with a modern flair.
Christopher Esber
A former classmate of Dion Lee, Christopher Esber has made a name for himself in the global fashion scene for his clean-cut tailoring and intentional fabrications. Alongside an A-list clientele, Esber’s cutting-edge design philosophies have cemented his place in the sartorial world as a modern classic.
Camilla and Marc
Recipients of The Australian Fashion Laureate, designer of the year award 2022, siblings Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman established Camilla and Marc in 2003. With their contrasting backgrounds (Camilla being the creative and Marc being the more technical and business-oriented one), the two grew and flourished their namesake labels, crafting timeless design pieces that marry feminine flair with masculine shapes.