Five Australian Fashion Labels You Need To Know Now

This is a repost from my Forbes Lifestyle article which you can find from here.

Gone are the eras when every fashionista under the sun is wearing either Gucci or Prada. With the rapid growth of fresh young designer talents assisted by the blurred borders and fast information exchange thanks to the rise of the age of social media, the trend setters are constantly looking for the next one-of-a-kind pieces to wear on their backs, and preferably all before the designers become known to the rest of the industry.

Australia has in the past been neglected by the fashion world due to its geographical location and the inconveniences caused by the reversal of seasons. However a crop of new-generation, fierce, home-grown Australian designers have made several applauded international appearances at many a widely watched events, and quickly established themselves over recent years.

Despite my selfish intention to keep these brands under the radar forever, I am here to share with you my top five Australian fashion brand picks because you simply need to know now.

Zimmermann

I bought my first Zimmermann dress five years ago on Net-a-Porter and have instantly fallen in love with the unique design. Initially known for its high-end swimwear and resort wear when the label began in 1991, Zimmermann has now branched into wider scope of clothing and the most recent few collections are absolutely to die for. The brand has now charmed the fashion elites with its signature billowy design with mesh, cutouts, layering details and powdery colours. Zimmermann pieces are often rich in characteristics and unique in cutting, with fine details that are labour-intensive and time-consuming to produce. The Sydney-born sisters behind the label, Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, have managed to keep the brand fresh and interesting by continuously incorporating modern elements while staying true to its timeless image.

Favourite pieces from current collection include: Havoc Lattice Billow Dress, Crepe Harness Jumpsuit, Sueded Silk Underwire Dress, and the signature Filigree Cuff Stilettos as seen in this season’s ad campaign.

Alice McCall

The Tinker Bell of its peer brands, Alice McCall has awaken the innocent girl in every woman’s heart. The brand’s designs are stylishly girlie and romantic, with a hint of flirtatious playfulness. There are plenty of cleverly disguised, non-obvious sweet sexiness in the pieces too, making them the perfect first date outfit choice.

Favourite pieces from current collection include: Crystallised Blush Blossom Dress, Back For Good Dress, Shake It Off Blush Playsuit, and Baby I Am Amazed Powder Blue Playsuit.

Finders Keepers The Label

Finders Keepers is relatively a new player in the industry but has rapidly gained popularity with its attainable high street design in quality on-trend, effortlessly polished shapes and fabrics. Finders Keepers does not tend to keep to one range of particular design or a main theme, making it notably favoured by the trend-senstive girls in their 20s. The current collection provides a wide range of day to day staples with various fashion elements, such as fleshy colours and soft knits.

Favourite pieces from current collection include: Blow Your Mind Pinstripe Bustier, The Runner Dress in gold sequin, Just My Luck Pastel Pink Sleeveless Top, and finally the Get Away Shorts.

C/MEO Collective

One of the most seen on fashion bloggers, C/MEO Collective draws attention with its uncomplicated designs and flowing shapes. C/MEO items are often surprisingly endurable and long-lasting considering individual garments from the label are super easy to pair with other key pieces to create a number of unique and on-trend looks.

Favourite pieces from current collection include: Perfect Lie Dress, Better Things Dress, and The Fiction Shirt Dress.

Dion Lee

Minimalistic, careful in selection of colours and in simple yet unusual shapes, Dion Lee is an Australian brand not meant for the fashion faint-hearted. Known for his architectural take on the contemporary design and luxurious fabrics, flares of individualism and intense personality of the brand also transpires in all his collections. The pieces demonstrate clean lines and flowy shapes that are undeniably feminine, but in an unexpected way.

Favourite pieces from current collection include: Asymmetric Pinstriped Stretch-Cady Dress, Cutout Merino Wool Sweater, Cutout Silk-Chiffon And Crepe De Chine Top, and the Ruffled Scuba And Tech-Jersey Skirt as seen on the runway.

Follow me at @DemureAndStylish