Sydney-based designer Christopher Esber has had an exceptional year, culminating in his historic win of the prestigious Andam Fashion Award in June. Esber became the first Australian designer to receive the honor, selected by a panel that included Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault, stylist Emmanuelle Alt, and Saint Laurent’s creative director, Anthony Vaccarello. The award comes with a mentorship from Vaccarello, an opportunity Esber describes as surreal.
“It was quite daunting, but I felt a strange sense of peace just before I entered the room,” Esber recalled. “I’ve been doing this for so long – if I can’t talk about my work, who can?”
One of the standout moments for Esber was seeing legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve admire his collection. “Just seeing her say ‘Wow’ left me speechless. It was a huge affirmation of the brand’s reach,” he said.
Esber’s sensual, minimalist designs have caught the eye of celebrities worldwide, including Dua Lipa, Zendaya, Emily Ratajkowski, and Eiza González. His global profile soared further in 2023, when he made his debut on the official Paris Fashion Week schedule and won Designer of the Year at the Australian Fashion Laureate.
As Esber prepares for his 2024 Paris Fashion Week show, he reflects on his love for the fitting process, which he considers the heart of his creative work. “The fitting is where the magic happens. It’s about the little details that make a piece feel just right,” he said.
Esber’s decision to show in Paris was part of a broader strategy to build a global brand. “I’ve always envisioned a customer base that’s global, not tied to any one place. Showing in Paris was a dream come true, and it’s just the beginning,” he added.
Key to Esber’s design philosophy is empowering women through clothing that enhances both shape and confidence. “I want the wearer to feel powerful, like they own the room. My goal is for them to walk in and have everyone ask, ‘Who’s that?’” he explained.
Since launching his brand in 2010 after graduating from TAFE’s Fashion Design School, Esber has built a reputation for innovative, timeless pieces. He credits the early support of friends in the fashion industry for helping his rise, especially after a Vogue feature on his early work.
Building a business in fashion comes with constant challenges, but Esber is keenly aware of the need to adapt. “Agility is crucial in this industry,” he said. “The market shifts constantly, and as we’ve scaled, it’s about staying ahead. I’m always looking for new ways to be more efficient with time.”
Esber also sees beyond celebrity endorsements as a key to long-term success. While he’s grateful for the exposure celebrities bring, he believes true growth comes from the brand’s presence in everyday life. “Seeing people wear my pieces in real life – that’s the ultimate reward,” he said.
The brand has expanded into new categories, including footwear, eyewear, and handbags, with Esber’s crystal-studded Minette flats becoming a cult favorite. “The footwear collection really helped me understand the end-to-end experience of the customer. It’s been exciting to evolve in this category and create beautiful, functional pieces,” he said.
Plans for physical stores are also on the horizon. “Having a brick-and-mortar space will allow customers to experience the full world of the brand, from head to toe,” Esber said.
Despite the pressures of running a growing fashion business, Esber remains deeply passionate about his work. “I’ve always been a creative, introverted kid, and fashion has been my way of expressing that,” he said. “I try to keep a sense of naivety in my work—it adds something pure and charming.”
While Esber’s ambitions are global, he continues to draw inspiration from his Australian roots. “Australia gives me a relaxed approach to design. It removes the fussiness, and that’s become a core pillar of the brand,” he said. “I don’t know what it would be like to design elsewhere, but for now, this is working, and I’m happy.”
Esber’s vision continues to unfold as he balances ambition with authenticity, firmly establishing himself as a global force in fashion.
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