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As one of the most chic and coveted events on the fashion calendar, the 2018 Australian Fashion Laureate, held last night at Sydney’s State Theatre, lived up to its annual stylish reputation. Hosted by comedian Ash Williams and Australian model Georgia Fowler – freshly home from her appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show – this is the industry’s event of events.
With just a small list of award categories, the best of the best of fashion design, retail and editorial were awarded. The centrepiece award, the Fashion Laureate Lifetime Achievement Award went to long time Vogue, Vogue Living and GQ editorial director Edwina McCann, beating out other finalists designer Camilla Franks, stylist Christine Centenera, designer Kym Ellery and Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett of Romance Was Born.
One of the most exciting recipients of the night was Adut Akech Bior, the Sudanese-Australian supermodel who has been making waves in the high-fashion world, recently opening and closing for some of the most supreme international fashion shows (think Valentino and Saint Laurent). Attending last night’s event with her equally stunning mother Mary, Akech Bior wore a breathtaking marigold asymmetrical gown by Australian fashion royalty Toni Maticevski.
This is the 11th year of the Laureate, an initiative originally derived to highlight the exceptional fashion talent Australia has on the worldwide stage. Last night’s winners featured both emerging talent and long term success stories, many of whom GRAZIA and partner-title ICON have teamed with in the recent past.
Winner Model Of The Year: Adut Akech Bior
(Nominees Charlee Fraser, Duckie Thot, Julia Nobis, Victoria Lee)
Akech Bior is one to watch. And oh how we have been. This past spring summer fashion weeks alone, Akech walked for Valentino, Saint Laurent, Off-White, Burberry, Giambattista Valli, Ellery and Calvin Klein to name just a few. She is loved by the top names in fashion and continues to grace the covers of the most exclusive fashion magazines worldwide. The Sudanese-Australian 18-year-old (yes, 18!) who calls Adelaide home, left South Sudan with her mother and five siblings as a refugee when she was just seven. Her rise to fashion stardom has been nothing short of incredible. GRAZIA photographed the supermodel for editorial Power Lines (see below).
Winner Best Australian Menswear: Song For The Mute
(Nominees: Bassike, Double Rainbouu, Ex Infinitas, P Johnson)
Up against some industry heavy hitters, relative newcomer Song For The Mute was awarded the menswear gong last night. Accepted by one half of the design team, Melvin Talaya, the Sydney-based label focuses on avant garde streetwear while also paying discreet homage to traditional Japanese aesthetics. GRAZIA’s partner title, men’s masthead ICON, is a major fan having most recently featured pieces in editorial The Red Line.
Winner Best Australian Retailer: Zimmermann
(Nominees: David Jones, Harrolds, Incu, Parlour X)
Despite being a duo for more than 27 years, Sydney label Zimmermann is hitting more highs than ever right now. From ruling at New York Fashion Week to opening flagship stores in places like The Hamptons, this Australian fashion export has never been hotter. Celebrated last night for their retail experience in particular, GRAZIA is always thrilled to shoot pieces by sisters Nikki and Simone Zimmermann, case in point: this sensational linen suit in Palm Springs editorial ‘Valley Girl’.
Winner Outstanding Editorial: Georges Antoni
(Nominees: Harpers Bazaar Australia, Marie Claire Australia, Nicole Bentley, Vogue Australia)
A favourite in the Australian and international editorial world, Georges Antoni could not be more a deserving winner for this creative award. Shooting for all the major titles as well as major players in the advertising world, Antoni most recently shot the British punk-themed editorial ‘The Misfits’ for GRAZIA.
Other winners included Romance Was Born for Best Australian Womenswear, Albus Lumen for Best Emerging Designer, Lucy Folk for Best Australian Accessories Designer and photographer Russell James as the inaugural International Impact Honouree.
Congratulations to all 2018 winners and nominees.
All images supplied
