Best Jumpers has been announced as the winner of the National Designer Award presented by David Jones, taking home a record prize of $130,000.
The annual award program was presented at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival this week.
Madre Natura was awarded the Honourable Mention for Sustainability, receiving a cash prize of $10,000 and a mentorship from David Jones’ sustainability and broader business team.
Now in its 27th year, the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival National Designer Award recognises the future of Australian fashion by acknowledging designers in their formative years of business.
The six finalists for 2023, selected by a panel of industry heavyweights, included Anna Cordell, Van Der Kooij, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, madre natura, Best Jumpers, and Hyde and Stone.
Speaking at the awards, Best Jumpers designer and founder Dylan Best (pictured centre) praised the other finalists.
"It's been great to get to meet everyone, and would also just like to say the other nominees are such talented people," Best said.
"A big part of what we do best [at Best Jumpers] is we're a local Melbourne brand, we make the majority of our items locally. So it's also a big thing supporting the local manufacturing industry, from our pattern makers to the factories that I spend most of my time working with."
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO Caroline Ralphsmith said the winner scored highly for design and storytelling.
“It is a privilege to meet these talented designers so early on in their development and create what we are sure will be sustained and meaningful relationships as they continue to shape our fabulous industry,” Ralphsmith said.
“Best Jumpers was comprehensive in their approach to the overall design of every element of the garments in their collection, and presented a uniquely personal and Australian story that was both charming and heart-warming.”
David Jones GM of menswear, childrenswear, home and AV Chris Wilson said Best Jumpers is well positioned for future success.
“We look forward to supporting the brand and its growth and development within the Australian fashion industry,” Wilson said. “Best Jumpers has developed a clear brand proposition and creative aesthetic that captures the laid-back Australian lifestyle while carefully considering the fundamentals required for future business success."
Best Jumpers founder Dylan Best will receive a business development prize pack designed to assist the label’s ongoing growth including the cash prize, marketing support and editorial opportunities.
David Jones head of legacy and sustainability Jelina Taylor also recognised the work of Madre Natura in the awards program.
“Madre Natura stood out for its holistic approach to brand impact,” Taylor said. “They have given a great deal of consideration to extending the product lifecycle, educating customers, minimising waste, and supporting local manufacturing."
Ralphsmith said the Sydney-based brand showed an outstanding attention to detail, including through use of recycled materials for coat hangers and sourcing specific cotton threads to use in production.
The 2023 judging panel for the awards include Ralphsmith, David Jones GM of womenswear, footwear and accessories, Bridget Veals; David GM of menswear, childrenswear and home, Chris Wilson; InStyle Australia editor in chief Justine Cullen; national fashion editor of The Age and Sydney Morning Herald; and JONES magazine editor in chief, Philippa Moroney.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award, presented by David Jones, went to Hyde and Stone.
Recent past winners of the National Designer Award include ALEMAIS (2022), COMMAS (2021), ESSE (2020), Christian Kimber (2019), and P.E Nation (2018).