Ben Gabbe/Getty Images/ MODE/AKM-GSIFor our special Australian-themed post, we've asked our resident Aussie Kathryn Eisman to give us the scoop on the hottest designers Down Under. Take a look!
With fashion-forward fans including Gwyneth Paltrow, Lupita Nyongo, Miranda Kerr and Sandra Bullock, these days many of Hollywood's hottest celebs are looking to Australian designers for their red hot, red carpet looks.
As the producer overlooking our fashion coverage here at E! News (and a born and bred Aussie), I've had a long love affair with these brands, and I'm not alone. Having just wrapped a successful Sydney Fashion Week, not to mention Kate Middleton touching down Down Under this week, it won't be long until all eyes are on these A-list Aussie labels.
I caught up with a handful of the biggest names in Australian fashion, asking them to dish on their favorite celebs to dress, their biggest fashion week moment, and more.
So you can be ahead of the fashion curve (they are 17 hours ahead of us, after all!), here's my essential list of the top Aussie fashion designers you need to know about.
Designer: Zimmermann
Why You'll Love the Brand: Sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann are behind the beloved label Zimmermann—which includes not only read-to-wear, but also stunning swimwear. Remember that gorgeous white dress Kate Middleton recently stepped out in while visiting Sydney? That was Zimmermann!
Celeb Fans: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Miranda Kerr, Katy Perry, Ashley Madekwe, Rose Byrne, Naomi Watts.
Celeb They'd Love to Dress: All the Aussies! Naomi Watts, Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne.
Biggest Fashion Week Moment: We once did a show in Sydney and the whole power grid went down five minutes before the start of our show!
How Long They've Been Making Clothes: Since 1991. So for over 20 years!
If They Weren't Designers They'd Be: Florists.
Favorite Trend for Spring/Summer: Culottes.
What's Next: We're opening a store in the Hamptons next month and then showing our SS15 collection at NYFW in September.
Designer: Camilla and Marc
Why You'll Love the Brand: Zimmermann isn't the only sibling duo on our list! Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman are the brother and sister behind Australian label Camilla and Marc. You'll love their chic dresses and separates that are utterly effortless and elegant.
Celeb Fans: Nicole Richie, Kate Bosworth, Rose Byrne, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jessica Gomes, Phoebe Tonkin, Kate Waterhouse.
Celeb They'd Love to Dress: Vanessa Paradis.
Biggest Fashion Week Moment: We celebrated our ten-year anniversary during Fashion Week Australia in April 2013.
How Long They've Been Making Clothes: We launched at Australian Fashion Week in 2003.
If They Weren't a Designer They'd Be: Camilla: In another creative industry. Marc: An architect.
Favorite Trend for Spring/Summer: Mixing prints, textures and layers to create different combinations and effects.
What's Next for Them: We are always striving to grow and we are excited to expand our national retail presence.
Designer: Dion Lee
Why You'll Love the Brand: Dion Lee is one of the younger designers on this list, and he already has a very impressive resume. In 2012, Dion won the International Woolmark Prize for the Australian region. He's known for his sharp tailoring, sculptural shapes, and graphic silhouettes.
Celeb Fans: Chanel Iman, Rachael Taylor, Charlize Theron, Dree Hemingway, Miranda Kerr, Emma Watson, Jess Hart, Julia Nobis, Karlie Kloss, Karolina Kurkova, Rose Byrne.
Celeb He'd Most Like to Dress: Cate Blanchett.
Biggest Fashion Week Moment: My first show at Sydney Opera House, and also showing in New York for the first time in September.
How Long They've Been Making Clothes: Five years.
If He Weren't a Designer He'd Be: On permanent vacation. Making films and studying Art History.
Favorite Trend for Spring/Summer: White on white.
What's Next: Opening a second store in Melbourne, Australia. And showing in New York in September.
Designer: Rebecca Vallance
Why You'll Love the Brand: Aside from her extensive fashion background, Rebecca is known for her unique aesthetic that is both whimsical and sophisticated at the same time. She recently debuted her collection in the US during New York Fashion Week in February 2014.
Celeb Fans: Allison Williams, Coco Rocha, Giuliana Rancic, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jess Hart, Jessica Stam, Miranda Kerr, Nicole Kidman.
Celeb She'd Love to Dress: Cate Blanchett.
Biggest Fashion Week Moment: Showing for the first time in New York this past February was a defining moment for the brand.
How Long She's Been Making Clothes: The brand launched in 2009.
If She Weren't a Designer She'd Be: On an extended holiday in the Caribbean.
Favorite Trend for Spring/Summer: Clean shapes and menswear-inspired tailoring.
What's Next: Continuing the momentum from New York Fashion Week and further growing the brand internationally.
Designer: Alex Perry
Celeb Fans: Sandra Bullock, Eva Longoria, Alessandra Ambrosio, Elizabeth Debicke, Jessica Chastain, Abbey Lee Kershaw.
Why You'll Love the Brand: Alex Perry is all about glamorous gowns and chic eveningwear. He has been in the industry for over two decades, and designs everything from red carpet-ready gowns to chic day dresses.
Celeb He'd Most Like to Dress: Jennifer Lawrence.
Biggest Fashion Week Moment: This Fashion Week was opened and closed by Alessandra Ambrosio. She is amazing, and she embodies the Alex Perry brand perfectly.
How Long He's Been Making Clothes: This marks Alex Perry's 20th year.
If They Weren't a Designer They'd Be: I've never thought of being anything else. I'm not sure I'd be good at many other things, but I was a great waiter while putting myself through college.
Favorite Trend for Spring/Summer: I love sharp color blocking and transparency. It adds a modern edge to evening gowns and lady-like dressing.
What's Next: I'm working on a cruise at the moment, and having a luxury line of bedroom linens and bathroom accessories launching in August internationally. I also will begin the next cycle of Australia's Next Top Model.