The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival has just revealed the finalists for the 2026 National Designer Award, presented by David Jones.
Now in its 30th year, the National Designer Award recognises designers in their first eight years of business. The 2026 finalists have been selected by a panel of industry leaders. The finalists are Alvi Chung of Speed; Erik Yvon; Gabriella Pereira of Beare Park; Grace Kelly of Joaen; Hannah Kim of Haluminous; Jackie Galleghan of Madre Natura; Justin Tong; Nathaniel Youkhana of Youkhana; Rachel Van Brussel of Van Brussel; and Victoria Bliss.
The ten 2026 finalists hail from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart, and will showcase their collections on the National Designer Award x David Jones runway at the Royal Exhibition Building on February 24 this year at 7:00pm.
Three accolades will be announced live on the night. The winner of the 2026 National Designer Award x David Jones will take home a $20,000 cash bursary and a $150,000 David Jones business development prize package tailored to suit the winner’s business model.
The recipient of the Honourable Mention for Sustainability will be awarded a $10,000 cash bursary along with a personalised mentorship programme led by David Jones.
The People’s Choice Award will also return, opening the floor to public voting. Voting will go live today via the Festival website and will close on February 17.
Past winners of the top award include Amy Lawrence (2025), Alèmais (2022), Christopher Esber (2012), Dion Lee (2010), Haulier (2024), Romance Was Born (2009), Song for the Mute (2014), Strateas Carlucci (2014) and Toni Maticevski (2002).
Up until last year, the award runway event took place offsite from the main PMFF area at the Royal Exhibition Building. PMFF CEO Caroline Ralphsmith said the response from industry, media and audiences last year affirmed the importance of providing finalists with exposure and meaningful connection to potential customers.
“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, the award continues to reflect the Festival’s legacy and continued commitment to shaping the future of the industry by supporting the next generation of designers.”
This year also marks ten consecutive years that David Jones has been presenting partner of the National Designer Award.
“At David Jones, our commitment to Australian fashion is deeply rooted in championing creativity, craftsmanship, and the next generation of design talent,” David Jones executive GM of womenswear, footwear, accessories and beauty, Bridget Veals said.
“The National Designer Award x David Jones is a cornerstone of this commitment, and we are incredibly proud to return as presenting partner for the tenth consecutive year. The calibre, diversity and vision of the 2026 finalists is truly exceptional, and we’re excited to provide a platform that offers meaningful exposure, mentorship, and opportunity as these designers continue to shape the future of Australian fashion.”
The 2026 judging panel includes Ralphsmith and Veals, as well as David Jones’ Chris Wilson, The Wardrobe Crisis founder Clare Press, Circular Sourcing founder and CEO Courtney Holm, creative director and writer Megha Kapoor, Song for the Mute co-founder Melvin Tanaya and Lyna Ty, and Oroton’s creative director Sophie Holt.