PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival and David Jones have announced the finalists for the National Designer Award.
Alemais, Beare Park, Blanca Studio, Clea, E Nolan and Joslin have been named as finalists for the 26th year of the award.
This year's finalists will have the chance to win a record-high prize pool of $130,000, with an increased monetary prize of $20,000 and a new $10,000 prize for sustainability.
Also new for this year is the introduction of the People's Choice Award.
For the first time in the award’s history, the public will be able to vote on their favourite designer of the National Design Award finalists.
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival principal consultant Graeme Lewsey said the winner gains more than just the cash boost.
"This is Australia’s most prestigious and longest running award program; supporting, showcasing and celebrating the very best of Australia’s emerging fashion talent.
"It’s not just the financial boost that our talented emerging designers gain from winning, but the incredible knowledge, expertise and support from industry leaders that can help propel their business to the next level," he said.
Alongside the increased cash prize of $20,000, the National Designer Award winner will receive; an engraved trophy; the opportunity to create a capsule collection for inclusion in David Jones; editorial and promotional integrations; a Delegate Passport to the 2022 Australian Fashion Summit; and, a media training session with fashion publicity specialists and a legal business advisory package.
David Jones GM of womenswear, footwear and accessories Bridget Veals said the award serves as a platform for emerging designers to grow their business.
"Now in its 26th year, the National Designer Award has been an invaluable springboard for new talent to gain the resources and exposure they need to elevate their brand on the national stage.
"So many of our much-loved and internationally recognised Australian designers including Toni Maticevski, P.E. Nation and Dion Lee have been recipients of this award early in their careers," she said.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Honourable Mention of Sustainability will receive a $10,000 cash payment as well as the opportunity to undertake a mentorship program led by the sustainability team at David Jones.
"Sustainability in the fashion industry involves a commitment to ensuring dignified working conditions and a valued relationship with garment makers, transparency, traceability, responsible farming practices, a consideration of circular design, animal welfare and sustainable packaging," David Jones head of sustainability Eloise Bishop added.
In 2022, the Award's judging panel consists of:
- Graeme Lewsey, PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival principal consultant
- Jillian Davison, editor in chief of Harper’s Bazaar
- Pip Moroney, senior fashion editor and market director of Vogue Australia
- Camilla Freeman-Topper, creative director, Camilla and Marc
- Bridget Veals, GM womenswear, footwear and accessories at David Jones
- Eloise Bishop, head of sustainability at David Jones
- Chris Wilson, GM menswear, childrenswear and home and AV at David Jones
The National Designer Award winner will be presented at an awards ceremony in July.
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival runs from March 3 to 12.