For 185 years, David Jones has been the home of Australian fashion, not only showcasing the extraordinary work of homegrown designers, but supporting them as they built their brands from the ground up. As David Jones became an icon of the industry, so too have these names risen to prominence, both here and on the world stage. To celebrate this milestone anniversary – and David Jones’ continued position as Australia’s leading premium retailer – JONES paired the country’s top design talent with muses from the worlds of fashion, arts and culture.
Meet some of Australia’s most celebrated designers
Aje
Founded in 2008 by best friends Edwina
Forest and Adrian Norris, Aje has become
synonymous with an effortless blend of
femininity and cool. Named for an acronym
meaning ‘Adrian Joins Edwina’, the brand is
an icon in and of itself, instantly identifiable
by its exaggerated silhouettes, bold details
and elegant craftsmanship.
“Imagination means a world with no boundaries.” – Cameron Stephens
A split-second decision to attend a casting call for Good American in 2018 led to Cameron Stephens being scouted by modelling powerhouse IMG. One of the first curve models to be signed to the agency, Stephens has since set the Australian fashion industry abuzz, and became a friend of David Jones in 2021.
Alémais
“Imagination is transporting our hearts and minds to the beyond.” – Lesleigh Jermanus
Alémais launched in 2020 as an expression of Sydney-based designer Lesleigh Jermanus’ imagination. Since then, Jermanus’ signature embroidery, frills and feminine prints have won hearts in Australia and overseas – and a host of awards, including the prestigious National Designer Award plus Emerging Designer of the Year at the 2022 Australian Fashion Laureate.
PHOENIX.
Singer-songwriter Thandi Phoenix is one of Australia’s most exciting new talents, having appeared on festival stages at Spilt Milk, Splendour in the Grass and Byron Bay Bluesfest and supported acts Vera Blue, Rudimental and Tinie Tempah. She released her self-titled EP in 2019.
Zimmermann
The namesake label of sisters Nicky and Simone, Zimmermann’s delicate details, botanic prints and wanderlust motifs have been setting hearts aflutter since 1991. The brand’s continued global success has seen it capture attention at New York Fashion Week as well as establish stores in some of the world’s dreamiest locations.
Em Stenberg has already worked with the likes of Michael Lo Sordo and MAARA Collective – not bad for someone scouted at a bus stop while on their way to school.
Matteau
Sisters Ilona Hamer and Peta Heinsen founded Matteau on a desire to create trend-defying styles from consciously derived materials. Beginning with minimalist swimwear, the brand’s offering has expanded to include resortwear and accessories characterised by a quintessentially laid-back Australian silhouette.
“For me, there is a lot of nature involved in imagination. That’s where I draw my inspiration from.” – Abigail O’Neill
Model, author and holistic health advocate Abigail O’Neill is the embodiment of natural beauty. Having spent more than 30 years subscribing to a natural lifestyle – embracing everything from a mostly raw diet to hydrotherapy – O’Neill glows with good health (and shocks people when she reveals she has three grown-up children).
Acler
Since 2014, Acler’s Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto have been in the pursuit of modern femininity. With a focus on brilliant colours, quality textures and sculptural elements, they’ve set a refreshing new tone for event dressing.
“Imagination is having the courage to step outside your comfort zone.” – Ella Havelka
As well as dancing for Bangarra Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet (the first Indigenous dancer in its history), Wiradjuri woman Ella Havelka has founded The ELLA Foundation to provide dance scholarships and mentorship to First Nations youth across the country.
Bassike
Starting with rethinking the humble cotton tee, Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan launched Bassike in 2006 with a focus on basics done differently. Evoking its beachside beginnings, the brand’s penchant for natural, sustainably sourced fibres and an oceanic colour palette has seen it garner fans the world over.
“When I think of imagination, I think of creation.” – Shay Langley
Shay Langley is proving to be one to watch – on and off the runway. With her platinum buzz cut and cool-as-a-cucumber attitude, expect to see a lot more of this star on the rise.
MACKAY.
Michael Lo Sordo
“Imagination is the birthplace of greatness.” – Michael Lo Sordo
Michael Lo Sordo’s eponymous label is simple elegance personified. Since launching in 2006, his signature silks and fluid silhouettes have become cult favourites of local and international stars alike, with Margot Robbie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kim Kardashian and Gigi Hadid all repping his designs.
Mãori model Manahou Mackay’s success is a tribute to a life of authenticity. Scouted at a friend’s house in 2016, Mackay became the first trans woman to walk in New Zealand Fashion Week – and continues her stellar career in Sydney, working with some of Australia’s best-known designers and fashion magazines.
Camilla And Marc
“Imagination is the ability to explore the past and to be the future.” – Marc Freeman
Celebrating 20 years in 2023, veteran fashion label Camilla and Marc is in a league of its own. Founded around the idea of contrasts, the brand’s penchant for tailoring and flowing silhouettes has cemented the brother-and-sister duo as icons of Australian minimalist style.
