Australia is one of the world's most exciting fashion hubs.⁹ It produces creatives who shape trends both domestically and abroad. Here are some of the most famous Australian designers who helped put Australia on the fashion map and continue to push the envelope.
Key Takeaways
- Australia is one of the world's most exciting fashion hubs.⁹
- Designers such as Carla Zampatti and Collette Dinnigan played major roles in building Australia’s luxury fashion reputation and expanding opportunities for future designers.
- Modern designers, including Dion Lee and Christopher Esber, continue to push design boundaries through tailoring, innovative silhouettes, and contemporary garment construction.
- Resortwear and lifestyle fashion remain major strengths of Australian clothing designers, with brands like CAMILLA and Zimmermann influencing global seasonal collections.
- Australian designer brands are recognised for combining artistic storytelling with wearable garments and internationally loved fashion collections across the luxury, eveningwear, and ready-to-wear markets.
Carla Zampatti – Pioneer of Australian Luxury Womenswear
Carla Zampetti redefined professional fashion.¹ Her designs often reflected confidence and empowerment. Beyond design, she played a key role in mentoring emerging designers and supporting Australia's broader creative industries.
Camilla Franks – Global Resortwear and Print Design Icon
Camilla Franks built her reputation by drawing inspiration from global travel, art, storytelling, and haute couture.⁵ Her collections often include hand-drawn prints reflecting cultural narratives and symbolism. She's also known for her advocacy work that supports community initiatives.
Australian fashion designers are recognised worldwide for their ability to combine creativity with practicality. Australia’s climate, multicultural influences, and relaxed lifestyle have shaped a fashion identity known for wearable luxury and resort-inspired style.
Zimmermann – Feminine Luxury and International Success
Zimmerman gained popularity by blending swimwear with high-end fashion.² The brand's collections often include detailed craftsmanship and carefully layered textures, making it one of Australia's top luxury fashion brands. Zimmerman has built a reputation for seasonal collections, balancing elegance with modern femininity.³
Dion Lee – Contemporary Australian High Fashion
Dion Lee is admired for pushing the boundaries of technical design through experimental garment construction.² His work often blends structure and movement, creating visually striking silhouettes. Lee's influence is strong among younger fashion audiences seeking contemporary, progressive designs.
Christopher Esber – Modern Tailoring and Runway Innovation
Christopher Esber explores the balance between minimalism and sculptural design.³ His collections often feature the kind of layering, proportion, and subtle asymmetry you'd expect from some of the world's top fashion brands. Esber's work often offers modern interpretations of classic tailoring techniques.
Australian designers have played a significant role in shaping several modern fashion trends. Resortwear, for example, has become a global fashion category thanks largely to Australian labels.
Alex Perry – Celebrity Eveningwear and Red-Carpet Fashion
Alex Perry became a key figure in fashion through entertainment and media.⁷ His designs are often confident, glamorous, and dramatic. Perry's work has strengthened Australia's reputation within the celebrity fashion industry.
Collette Dinnigan – First Australian Designer to Show in Paris
Collette Dinnigan became famous for celebrating craftsmanship and traditional textile techniques.¹ Her work often reflects a balance between romantic styling and contemporary designs. Dinnigan also played a key role in promoting Australian designers within elite European fashion circles.
Ellery – Architectural Silhouettes and Avant-Garde Style
Ellery is famous for treating fashion as a form of artistic expression.² The brand's collections often experiment with volume, proportion, and unusual garment construction. This approach has influenced discussions around fashion as wearable art.
Akira Isogawa – Cultural Fusion in Australian Fashion
Akira Isogawa incorporates traditional textile methods into modern fashion collections. His work often reflects careful attention to fabric selection and cultural storytelling. Isogawa helped broaden perceptions of Australian fashion through multicultural creative influences in the same way history's greatest fashion designers did the same for their respective countries.
Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson – Defining Australian Fashion Identity
Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson helped develop a uniquely Australian fashion identity during the late twentieth century.¹ With work celebrating nature, wildlife, and artistic collaboration, they helped shape how Australian fashion was represented both locally and internationally. Their work often included colourful knitwear and symbolic prints.
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References
- National Gallery of Victoria. 200 Years of Australian Fashion. National Gallery of Victoria, www.ngv.vic.gov.au/essay/200-years-of-australian-fashion/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “31 Australian Fashion Designers You Should Know.” RUSSH, www.russh.com/australian-fashion-designers/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “The 20 Best Australian Fashion Designers for 2024.” Grazia Magazine, graziamagazine.com/articles/best-australian-fashion-designers-brands/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “Australian Designer Camilla Franks: Maximalist Prints.” Farfetch Style Guide, www.farfetch.com/au/style-guide/brands/australian-designer-camilla-franks-maximalist-prints/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “The Story of Camilla.” Camilla Official Website, camilla.com/pages/the-story-of-camilla. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “Camilla Franks Interview.” Harper’s Bazaar Australia, harpersbazaar.com.au/camilla-franks-interview/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “Australian Brands Worn and Loved by Celebrities.” Grazia Magazine, graziamagazine.com/articles/australian-brands-worn-by-celebrities/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “Fashion Brand Founder Camilla Franks Reflects on Her Brand’s Global Expansion.” Inside Retail Asia, 22 May 2025, insideretail.asia/2025/05/22/fashion-brand-founder-camilla-franks-reflects-on-her-brands-global-expansion/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “200 Years of Australian Fashion Opens at NGV.” Vogue Australia, www.vogue.com.au/culture/features/200-years-of-australian-fashion-opens-at-ngv/news-story/952aed6f01e0ad32aa7ec2884bd276d0. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
- “200 Years of Australian Fashion.” Habitus Living, www.habitusliving.com/articles/200-years-of-australian-fashion. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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