Fashion-forward clutch clasps the cutting-edge

THE future of the Australian fashion industry was in keen focus yesterday, with two initiatives launched and a new clutch of emerging designers.

Woolmark Prize

THE future of the Australian fashion industry was in keen focus yesterday, with two initiatives launched and a new clutch of emerging designers ready to take on the world.

On day four of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, the nine Australian finalists for the International Woolmark Prize were announced last night: Tristan Melle, Garth Cook, Karla Spetic, Michael Lo Sordo, Phoenix Keating, Strateas. Carlucci, From Britten, Han and Song for the Mute.

This year for the first time ­womenswear will be joined by a menswear category; Strateas. Carlucci is represented in both. Having recently won the ­Tiffany & Co National Designer Award, and being finalists in last year’s Woolmark competition, the duo of Mario-Luca Carlucci and Peter Strateas are feeling well-placed this time around. “It’s double the workload, but double the chances,” Strateas said.

Each of the five regional finalists will take home $50,000 and go into the international final with a cash prize of $100,000.

The Australian Fashion Chamber had its official launch yesterday, a packed room in ­attendance to hear founding chairwoman, Edwina McCann, editor of Vogue Australia, outline the vision for the not-for-profit industry body and meet board members, including designer Nicky Zimmermann, ex Vogue editor Nancy Pilcher and Harper’s Bazaar editor Kellie Hush.

They fielded questions from designers, retailers and buyers and addressed perceived snubs in board membership.

Clean Cut, an advocacy group for the sustainable fashion ind­ustry, was also launched.