Three designers have been named as finalists for the Westpac Private Bank Emerging Fashion Designer Award 2020.
Commas, Mndatory (pictured) and Nagnata will go in the running for the award, which is staged in partnership with the Australian Fashion Council.
The winner will win a prize pool worth $120,000, including a $10,000 cash grant from Westpac.
The finalists were selected from over 45 applications, by a panel of industry experts.
The judges included Vogue Australia editorial director Edwina McCann, Camilla and Marc co-founder Marc Freeman, stylist Caterina Scardino and ethical fashion activist Melinda Tually.
This year is the first time the award was open to entries from both menswear and womenswear labels.
It also marks the second year of a stronger focus on the responsible efforts of the labels involved, with applicants being judged on their sustainability and ethical practice.
Westpac executive Ashley Stewart praised the change.
“Now in its eighth year this award is evolving with the industry and customers’ demands for sustainable fashion.
"Westpac Private Bank is proud to support Australia’s emerging fashion talent in taking their businesses to the next level and to create enduring success."
Australian Fashion Council CEO Leila Naja Hibri said the finalists were a standout.
"The Australian Fashion Council is proud to see such a diverse and gifted line up of finalists for 2020.
"Commas, Mndatory and Nagnata represent the high calibre of local emerging talent and prove that the future of fashion in Australia is something to be excited about."
The three finalists will present their collections alongside some of Australia’s most successful designers in April, including Bianca Spender, Carla Zampatti, Ginger & Smart, Manning Cartell, Oroton and Scanlan Theodore.
Of the three finalists, one designer will be announced as the winner on the night and will receive a prize valued at over $120,000.
This year’s prize includes:
• A $10,000 (including GST) cash grant provided by Westpac Private Bank
• 12 months free insurance provided by Westpac
• Financial planning services provided by Viridian Advisory for two years
• Business advisory, strategy, accounting and wealth services for two years provided by Bentleys NSW
• Legal advice provided by Gilbert + Tobin for two years
• A Vogue Australia produced and styled look book
• A Toni & Guy Australia professional hair service package
• Linda Jefferyes makeup service package
• Emirates return Business Class flights for two
• A one-year subscription to Flaunter a digital platform connecting brands and media
• Two mentoring sessions with two fashion industry icons provided by the Australian Fashion Council.
The initiative was first established in 2013 (under the BT brand) and has since become one of Australia’s most esteemed designer awards.
It has fostered the success of a number of Australian designers, as they develop from emerging labels into household names, including; Blair Archibald (2019), Albus Lumen (2018), Kacey Devlin (2017), macgraw (2016), Emma Mulholland (2015), Michael Lo Sordo (2014) and Christopher Esber (2013).