In a year when the headlines were dominated by international tragedies and political turmoil, Australian style provided a beacon of light for those sartorially inclined.
From one of our most iconic brands turning 100 to model Madeline Stuart becoming the first Australian model with Down syndrome to walk at New York Fashion Week, you could say it was a year of major wins.
To celebrate, The Huffington Post Australia has rounded up the best moments in Australian fashion because even if you’re not style-obsessed, there’s a lot to be proud of.
Bonds turns 100
The undies brand celebrated its 100th birthday in August, flying in some of our biggest exports including Iggy Azalea as well as the brands veteran ambassador, Pat Rafter, for a celebration. Hamish Blake and Andy Lee hosted the party and in true blue Aussie style, allowed Azalea to “dack” Lee as the final hip-hip-hooray sang out.
Madeline Stuart walks at New York Fashion Week
The 18-year-old from Brisbane opened South African designer Hendrik Vermeulen's spring 2016 show in New York, joining just one other American model to do so. Her story quickly went viral, spreading a message of inclusion and disability not only in the fashion industry but the world.
Nicole Trunfio poses for ELLE magazine while breastfeeding newborn son Zion Rain Clark
It was a cover that went viral for all the right reasons and started a much needed conversation (or put an end to a bigoted one) but most importantly, it celebrated the beauty of being a woman.
Bondi's Icebergs pool gets turned into a runway at Sydney Fashion Week
The iconic beachside landmark was the backdrop for Australia's first look at restaurateur-turned-fashion designer Maurice Terzini's new ten-piece collection.
Carla Zampatti releases two books
2015 marked the fashion icon’s 50th year in the industry and Zampatti casually released not one, but two books to mark the occasion -- Carla Zampatti My Life, My Look and Carla Zampatti 50 Years of Fashion. The latter, a collection of images from over the course of her career was launched at the National Gallery of Victoria, where she told the crowd it hardly felt like half a century has passed her by.
Balmain comes to H&M
H&M's highly anticipated designer collaboration with Olivier Rousteing’s House of Balmain landed in Australia’s Sydney and Melbourne stores in November sending shoppers, particularly those vying for the pearl embellished black jacket made famous by Kylie Jenner, into a complete frenzy.
Collette Dinnigan releases underwear line for Target
Collette Dinnigan is many things and a fashion snob is not one of them. The veteran designer first dipped her toes into the smalls market back in 2008 when she teamed up with Target and followed up a second time to create an affordable, everyday luxury collection.
COS lands in Sydney
You could say retail giant H&M have been a pretty prominent player in the industry this year and the arrival of its second COS store in Australia had a lot to do with that. The everyday wear label landed in Sydney in November.
Julie Bishop commits to Australia investing in fashion
As Rebel Wilson unveiled her fashion line during LA Fashion Week, the actor was in good company with the foreign minister, Julie Bishop, who was there to announce Australia’s promotion and support of creative talent. Prior to the trip, Bishop also threw her support behind Collette Dinnigan’s ‘Unlaced’ exhibition launch in Sydney.
Ellery shows on official Paris Fashion Week calendar
For two years, Sydney fashion designer Kym Ellery’s ready-to-wear line has been showing off-schedule at Paris Fashion Week however, this year she became the third Australian designer to earn a spot on the official schedule (after Collette Dinnigan and Martin Grant).
