MELBOURNE: Racewear designer Jason Grech has been announced as the inaugural inductee into what is believed to be the country's first fashion hall of fame.
The initiative, announced during Kangan Batman TAFE's end of year graduation ceremony last night (November 19), will see one alumni each year afforded the honour.
Grech, who organisers said had "created a high-profile career on the Australian fashion landscape", attended the college more than 10 years ago before setting up in self-titled label in 2003.
The Footscray-based designer, who runs his label with creative partner Harry Georgiou, opened his first flagship store in Melbourne's CBD shortly after.
The award is one of a host won by Grech, who in 2006 was awarded the Lord Mayor's Innovation Award and was a finalist in the Retailer of the Year Awards. In 2004 he was the recipient of the Caulfield Spring Designer Award.