It was a single moment that left the iconic fashion designer short on words.
Toni Maticevski has been named the 2016 Australian Fashion Laureate.
The designer was presented with the honourary title at an industry ceremony this afternoon.
Staged at Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House, the lunch service was attended by media, designers and retailers.
Maticevski said he was honoured to receive the award before "family" and did not anticipate the win.
Edwina McCann, Kym Ellery, Alex Perry and Dion Lee were also nominated for the award.
The event recognised additional winners in retail, womenswear, menswear and emerging talent.
Strateas.Carlucci, Macgraw, Ellery and Parlour X won their respective categories.
The Australian Fashion Laureate was established in 2008 by the New South Wales Government and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia organiser IMG.
The Laureate celebrates professionals whose careers have made a significant contribution to the development, promotion and advancement of the Australian fashion industry internationally.