PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival (PMFF) has unveiled this year’s six finalists for the National Designer Award presented by David Jones.
The finalists include Alix Higgins, Ikuntji Artists, Haulier, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, Clea and THDR.
The winner of the 2024 National Designer Award will receive a cash prize of $20,000, marketing and editorial, and the opportunity to showcase their collection at the iconic David Jones Bourke Street Flagship.
A second award will also be included, the Honourable Mention for Sustainability, which highlights the finalist that demonstrates a “significant dedication to addressing their impact, clear in both their product and overall business ethos.”
The winner of this award will receive a cash prize of $10,000 and a mentorship led by David Jones.
Following the success of the David Jones People’s Choice Award in 2023, the National Designer Award will again allow the public to vote for their favourite designer for the chance to win a David Jones gift voucher valued at $500.
PMFF CEO Caroline ‘Ralph’ Ralphsmith said the National Designer Award was initiated for the sole purpose of supporting the future of fashion.
“The National Designer Award presented by David Jones is the pinnacle of our Industry Development Programme, which was created to support and grow emerging local talent on a national and international stage,” Ralphsmith said.
“We are thrilled by the calibre of creativity, design quality and business acumen of this year’s finalists and look forward to watching the trajectory of their brands for many years to come”.
The 2024 judging panel comprises Australian fashion industry leaders including Ralphsmith; David Jones GM of womenswear, footwear and accessories Bridget Veals; David Jones GM of menswear, childrenswear and home and AV Chris Wilson; Alèmais founder and director Lesleigh Jermanus; Style editor of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Damien Woolnough; Ngali founder and designer Denni Francisco; and sustainable fashion expert, researcher, writer and consultant Lucianne Tonti.
Veals said it’s an honour to support the next generation of Australian designers.
“David Jones has witnessed the rise of numerous acclaimed Australian designers - such as Dion Lee, COMMAS, Esse and Maticevski - be the recipients of the nation’s most prestigious fashion accolades,” Veals said.
“We take great pleasure in offering support and mentorship to these talents during their early stages, ensuring the enduring success of their brands and significant impact on the Australian fashion landscape.”
The winners of the 2024 National Designer Award, the Honourable Mention for Sustainability and the David Jones People's Choice Award will be announced on Wednesday, March 6.
This year is David Jones’ eighth year in presenting the awards, with the awards going for 28 years.
Past winners include Dylan Best - Best Jumpers (2023), ALÈMAIS (2022), COMMAS (2021), ESSE (2020), Christian Kimber (2019), P.E Nation (2018), STRATEAS.CARLUCCI (2014), Christopher Esber (2012), Dion Lee (2010), Romance Was Born (2009) and Toni Maticevski (2002).