On November 22, in beautiful Sydney, IMG announced the winners of the prestigious Australian Fashion Laureate. In its 15th year this award celebrates and honours those individuals who have played a significant role in the growth and cultural impact of fashion both within and beyond Australia. Winners were announced at a prestigious luncheon and ceremony at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Australian Fashion Laureate Lifetime Achievement Award went to the colourful Ken Done. Designer of the Year was awarded to Camilla and Marc. Emerging Designer of the Year Award was won by the new label on everyone’s lips, Alemais.
The extremely popular Rebecca Vallance was voted People’s Choice. I was lucky enough to see Rebecca speak at Australian Fashion Week in 2021 and after more than 10 years in the business her work ethic and flair for design has culminated in her winning this coveted award. The people have spoken.
Indigenous Designer of the Year was Laura Thompson from Clothing the Gaps. Sustainable Innovation of the Year went to Sarah and Sebastian. The Carla Zampatti Award for Excellence in Leadership was won by the tireless Leila Naja Hibri who I have seen speak passionately on many panels at Australian Fashion Week.
The Australian Fashion Laureate provides a platform to show the depth and expertise of the Australian Fashion Industry. It is judged by industry professionals, leading fashion journalists, stylists, communication professionals and top retail executives. We congratulate those winners who have survived, emerged and thrived during the difficult times of the last few years in the fashion industry.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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