The 2024 Australian Fashion Laureate winners were announced yesterday during a glamorous ceremony at the Sydney Opera House. The prestigious awards honor outstanding achievements in the fashion industry, focusing on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and emerging talent.
Founded in 2008 in partnership with the NSW Government, and presented by IMG, the awards marked their 16th year. A panel of over 35 industry leaders, including marie claire editor Georgie McCourt, selected this year’s winners, with women dominating the list.
“The Australian Fashion Laureate provides a vital platform to celebrate the creative excellence and achievements shaping the Australian fashion industry,” said Natalie Xenita, Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Events and Properties, Asia-Pacific. “We are excited to bring the industry together for this event to celebrate the designers and leaders driving Australian fashion’s cultural and economic impact.”
Georgie McCourt added, “The Australian Fashion Laureate is a wonderful celebration of creative excellence, showcasing the most innovative figures in the industry. It was an honor to be among the 35 leaders who selected this year’s winners and to recognize their remarkable contributions.”
2024 Winners and Their Achievements
Lesleigh Jermanus of ALÈMAIS, who previously won Emerging Designer of the Year, was named Designer of the Year.
Gabriella Pereira, founder of Beare Park, was awarded Emerging Designer of the Year. Launched in 2021, Beare Park has quickly gained recognition for its modern tailoring and partnerships with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s soccer team, for their official off-field uniforms.
Grace Lillian Lee, a descendant of the Meriam Mer people of the Torres Strait, won Indigenous Designer of the Year. Lee’s unique, traditional grasshopper-weave technique gained global attention after being featured in Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show in Brisbane.
Sister duo Laura May and Hannah Gibbs of Nagnata were honored with Sustainable Designer of the Year for their commitment to fair trade and ethical craftsmanship.
Andie Halas of Thread Together received the Carla Zampatti Award for Excellence in Leadership for her work with the social and environmental charity, which addresses fashion waste and supports vulnerable Australians.
Stephen Bennett, founder of Country Road, was awarded the Australian Fashion Laureate for Lifetime Achievement. Bennett’s vision for a simple, high-quality shirt led to the creation of one of Australia’s most iconic fashion brands.
“I was thrilled to see Andie Halas receive the Carla Zampatti Award,” said Georgie McCourt. “She’s a true visionary and an icon in the fashion industry. I was equally excited to see Lesleigh Jermanus of ALÈMAIS win Designer of the Year. Her designs are beloved by women everywhere—clothes that truly make you smile, which is what fashion should be about.”
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