Sharp silhouettes, sustainability and a kaleidoscope of colour. This year’s National Designer Award at the Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival announced Haulier as the winner of the National Designer Award presented by David Jones.
Now in its 28th year, the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival National Designer Award presented by David Jones is Australia’s most established fashion awards programme. The Award celebrates the future of Australian fashion by acknowledging designers in their first five years of business who have demonstrated vision and cohesion in creativity and design, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to addressing environmental and social impact.
At the forefront of Australian fashion innovation, Jeremy Hershan of Haulier, took home the illustrious National Designer Award 2024. Launched three and a half years ago with a collection that consisted of just one bag, the Utility Tote, Haulier specialises in functional accessories, genderless apparel, and a focus on quality craftsmanship and timeless design. Staying true to the brand ethos of rugged yet refined, Haulier is renowned for its focus on quality and eliminating fabric waste, with each iconic Haulier bag handcrafted in Portugal using traditional manufacturing techniques from hard-wearing selvedge cotton canvas.
CEO of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Caroline Ralphsmith, said that the judges selected Haulier for its “clear vision, considered design and sophisticated approach to brand and business [that] really stood out”.
As the winner of the prestigious 2024 National Designer Award, Jeremy of Haulier will receive a career-defining prize pool of $130,000, including business and marketing support and a collection showcase in our Bourke Street Flagship. The brand will also join an impressive lineup of past winners including Alémais (2022), COMMAS (2021), ESSE (2020), P.E Nation (2018), Dion Lee (2010) and Toni Maticevski (2002), to name a few.
In addition to the National Designer Award, this year’s event also included an Honourable Mention for Sustainability and The People’s Choice Award. In recognition of the industry’s pressing need for positive change, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos was awarded the Honourable Mention for Sustainability. Lucianne Tonti, Sustainable Fashion Expert and panel judge said: “Through his label Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, is a willingness to think differently and embrace the core principles that can make fashion sustainable: investing in local manufacturing while working with waste and quality natural materials to produce truly beautiful, durable products.”
Over 1700 customers cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, with Clea, a Melbourne-based label founded by Natasha Gordon taking home the award. With a modern approach to premium womenswear, Clea strikes a delicate balance between opposing elements, weaving intricate details into enduring designs that capture the hearts of countless voters.
Along with the three winners, the finalists for 2024, selected by a panel of esteemed industry leaders, included Alix Higgins, Ikuntji Artists and THDR.
The Finalists Runway
This year’s lineup of finalists was truly exceptional, with talent and innovation at the forefront of every stitch in their collection.
Who Wore What & Front-Row Fits
It wouldn’t be a David Jones fashion event without a few head-turning ensembles and an impressive guest list. Friends of David Jones Eleanor Pendleton, Lucy Feagins, and the Hon. Julie Bishop were in attendance along with some of Australia’s most influential fashionistas, journalists and other industry leaders.
Go behind the scenes of our Autumn, Winter & Beyond Event, an immersive experience celebrating timeless trends and iconic brands to know and love.