As Australian Fashion Week returns in full force, five homegrown designers are making waves with their unique perspectives and strong creative identities. These designers showcase the diversity, innovation, and evolving character of Australian fashion as the global spotlight turns to the nation.
Lee Mathews Celebrates 25 Years With a Fashion Week Return
Designer Lee Mathews marked the 25th anniversary of her eponymous label by returning to the Australian Fashion Week runway. Having showcased in the early years of the event, Mathews felt it was the right time to reconnect with the local fashion community. Her collection paid tribute to the core elements of her brand—dresses, prints, and a color palette inspired by nature.
Mathews emphasized the integrity of her fabrics, with cotton sourced from Spain and Japan and the use of pure silk. Known for minimal, body-skimming shapes such as smock dresses and soft tailoring, she stayed true to her label’s origins. Her fashion journey began under the influence of her seamstress grandmother and evolved from selling hand-embroidered shirts at markets to becoming a staple in global resortwear.
For Mathews, fashion week is more than a showcase—it’s a show of solidarity with the local industry. “There’s a clear regional identity now,” she noted, adding that Australia has become a key reference point in the global resortwear market.
Courtney Zheng Brings Dark Romance to Resortwear
Designer Courtney Zheng’s label, established just two years ago, deviates from traditional Australian resortwear. Her pieces, defined by slick tailoring, black tones, and a hint of evening wear, reflect a deeper, darker aesthetic. “There’s a sense of dark romance underpinning everything,” Zheng explained.
As Australian Fashion Week shifts to an industry-focused model following its recent change in ownership, Zheng sees it as a space for innovative voices to thrive. Her collection, which blends high-quality Italian wool tailoring with flowing silk eveningwear, is informed by a family legacy in denim manufacturing and a cultural upbringing split between Sydney, Guangzhou, and Shanghai.
Her design approach reflects refined craftsmanship and global vision. Early success with international retailers like Bergdorf Goodman signals a promising global trajectory for the brand.
Liandra Swim Reimagines Australian Swimwear Through Culture and Colour
Liandra Gaykamangu, the creative force behind Liandra Swim, is redefining Australian swimwear. Drawing from her upbringing on Milingimbi Island in north-east Arnhem Land, Gaykamangu incorporates the colors and textures of her homeland into every piece. Her hand-drawn prints, inspired by the reef ecosystems, showcase a blend of natural beauty and Indigenous storytelling.
In her second solo runway collection, Gaykamangu is expanding into ready-to-wear fashion while maintaining her signature vibrant swimwear. She likens coral growth to human connection and ancestral legacy, illustrating the depth of thought behind her designs. Her work is emblematic of the growing presence of First Nations designers shaping the future of Australian fashion.
Nagnata Champions Movement, Wellness, and Sustainability
Sisters Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, co-founders of Nagnata, are challenging traditional fashion categories with their Byron Bay-based label. Inspired by dance, yoga, and knitwear, Nagnata’s pieces blur the lines between activewear and ready-to-wear. Known for their use of merino wool and organic fibres, the brand has pioneered seamless and sustainable fashion.
Nagnata’s fashion week debut centers around natural and reclaimable fibres, with a nod to vintage sportswear aesthetics. Their collection underscores a commitment to intentional design and longevity, reinforcing the brand’s values of wellness and environmental responsibility.
Haluminous Delves into the Light and Dark of Fashion Storytelling
Hannah Kim, the designer behind Haluminous, draws from fantasy, emotion, and personal introspection to create her gothic, romantic silhouettes. Since launching in 2016, Kim has embraced the duality of lightness and darkness, reflected in her sculptural dresses and fluttering lace details.
Participating in the New Gen show at Australian Fashion Week, Kim’s work explores themes of grief and joy, fear and connection. While maintaining emotional depth, her designs have evolved toward practicality and wearability. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, she has transitioned from hand-beaded couture to impactful ready-to-wear fashion.
These five designers exemplify the diversity and innovation of Australian fashion today. From the introspective elegance of Haluminous to the cultural vibrance of Liandra Swim, each designer brings a distinct narrative and aesthetic to the runway. As Australian Fashion Week evolves into an industry-focused event, these creatives affirm the country’s place as a global force in fashion.
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