The next look
Fischer Von Meszlenyi
It has yet to celebrate its first anniversary but Fischer Von Meszlenyi is a brand already steeped in rich history. Founded by Melbourne designer Sam Fisher last November, the label has taken both its name and aesthetic from Fisher's Hungarian grandparents. Forced to flee Europe during the onset of World War Two, the couple changed their name and identity to better fit the Western norm. More than half a century on and their grandson has resurrected the family's true colours. Creating both men's and womenswear collections, the designer often plays with East European themes of militarism, security and discipline with prices for his latest range starting at $200 and going up to $500.
Kornerd
How many young Australian designers can claim they
Subfusco
As with many young Italian lads, Joshua Roberto Scacheri was once too busy eyeing the football field to think about peculiarities like fashion and style. In fact, at just the age of 16, the Brisbane-based designer jetted off to Italy in pursuit of a professional, and later, semi-professional football career. But exposure to Europe's thriving, flamboyant fashion scene soon inspired him to kick the ball in the opposite direction. Now, the quick footed Scacheri is at the helm of nationwide menswear brand 'Subfusco' and has two premium boutiques to his name. Preppy, directional and tailored all at once, Subfusco offers jackets, tops, shirts, denim and pants from $40 to $350.
Bambam
It would be tempting to compare designers Michael and Chris Pretsel to those behind Australian megabrand Ksubi. But there's marked difference. Street-cred and rock and roll swagger aside, the two Bambam lads are of the boffin sort - they don't design "fluff" and their aesthetic is always based on the "nature of the streets and her stories". Their recent winter collection, priced from $40 to $250, included a mischievous leopard print hoodie and a skull and bones print complete with Mickey Mouse ears.
George Wu
Having spent a good deal of his years in and out of Australian fashion colleges, it's hardly surprising that George Wu is now garnering a reputation as a directional designer. Apart from his signature use of luxurious black and white fabrications, he's also known for emphasising clean but unusual cuts, shapes and lines. Pricing his collections from $70 to $400, Wu says he enjoys playing with contradictions of "new and old, bright and dark, light and heavy" while also developing ranges that are "truly unique and difficult to imitate". While a host of Aussie boutiques have already caught onto his aesthetic - including Joy Electric in Surfer's Paradise and Cactus Jam in Melbourne - a smattering of American stockists are expected to be announced later this month.
blanc + delta
When blanc + delta designer Bianca Daly was in her final year of study at the Gold Coast Academy of Design, she wasn't just handing in the odd assignment and sitting for exams. After-hours (and often times, in between), Daly was busy pioneering her own business; designing and manufacturing uniforms for large nightclubs throughout the Gold Coast. Some years on and the Queensland local is still cashing in on the glam factor; describing her latest venture into womenswear as an "exciting mix of experiences, events and feelings". Priced from $47 to $75 for knit tops and knit mini-dresses to $222 for jackets and coats, the brand has a small stockist presence throughout Queensland and New South Wales.
Gina Kim
She might not consent to being stereotyped but when presented with the facts, it's hard to find another way around it - Gina Kim is a creative type. Both a qualified musician (she's a graduate from Griffith University's Conservatorium of Music) and a fashion designer, Kim is currently tipping away at the Australian and Korean womenswear market with her "fresh, chic and wearable" collections. Stocked in both boutiques and online stores, the brand specialises in glossy frocks priced from $80 to $200.
Artsu
There aren't too many designers who would confess to an appearance on Channel Nine's Mornings With Kerri-Anne show, but Nik Philpott - who plugged his Artsu label on the program last year - thinks it pays to be unpredictable. Using his background in print and graphic artistry, the designer specialises in glam-rock streetwear with carnival coloured character prints, tailored lines and high-sheen fabrications. Currently building a presence in the Australian and New Zealand markets, the label - priced from $40 to $350 - is set to launch an offensive into Asia later this year.
Annie Who
Talk about a quick accession. Only a year after showcasing her debut womenswear collection at the 2005 Fashion Exposed trade fair, designer Annie Lin went on to participate in both Hong Kong and LA Fashion Week. Aussie bred and born, the designer's latest autumn/winter range includes clothing, bags, wallets, jewellery and accessories priced from $23 to $350. Lin says it is a reflection of her "adventures" in China and America.
Amar
Business duo Kerri Raymond and Michael Adam know how to play the celebrity card. Since the inception of their womenswear brand in 2003, their decidedly feminine frocks have been worn by a host of leading ladies including actresses Natalie Blair,
Tu
As those who've been in the industry for some years would know, West Australian designers are a hard working bunch. Often having to put in extra hours to build a competitive advantage over their Sydney and Melbournian counterparts, they don't take their jobs too lightly. Ann Nie Chong is no exception. Since 2003, the Tu designer has established her own retail outlet, a host of domestic stockists and scored two ArtsWA grants to help grow her old-world inspired womenswear label. Priced from $55 to $165, her collections combine influences from Australia, Hong Kong, Italy and Malaysia with high quality materials sourced domestically and abroad.