2015 AUSTRALIAN FASHION LAUREATE FINALISTS

 For Immediate Release 2015 AUSTRALIAN FASHION LAUREATE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED SYDNEY (March 4, 2015) The finalists for the 2015 Australian Fashion Laureate have been announced with Alex Perry, Nicholas Huxley, Nancy Pilcher, Toni Maticevski, Jarrad Clark and Camilla and Marc (Camilla Freeman-­‐Topper and Marc Freeman) eligible for Australian fashion’s most prestigious award. For the second year, IMG will also present awards across four additional categories including Womenswear, Menswear, Emerging Designer and Retailer. “Each nominee has played a unique part in the incredible global success of the Australian fashion industry, and continue to be the driving forces,” said Emily Weight, Director of Strategy and Brand, IMG Fashion. “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mercedes-­‐Benz Fashion Week Australia, the Laureate nominees represent excellence in all fields – publishing, production, education and design. They each have shaped many iconic moments in the history of Australian fashion, but just as importantly, play key roles in its future direction. It is an absolute honour to be highlighting their contribution via this important award.” Nancy Pilcher and Jarrad Clark had been instrumental in championing efforts to get the trade event off the ground in 1996 and continue to display passion and drive in support of the Australian fashion industry on a domestic and international level. Alex Perry, Camilla Freeman-­‐Topper and Marc Freeman are nominated for their seasonal collections that have helped garner Australia’s reputation as a hub of creative talent. Nicholas Huxley, the head of The Fashion Design Studio (formerly known as East Sydney TAFE), is acknowledged for creating a fashion program with alumni who are represent some of the leaders of Australian fashion, including designers such as Dion Lee, Nicky Zimmermann and Akira Isogawa to name a few. Established in 2007, The Australian Fashion Laureate celebrates professionals whose careers have promoted and advanced the Australian fashion industry internationally and is truly a distinct honor as they are voted for by a panel of industry peers. Over the past eight years, the Laureate has recognised acclaimed Australian fashion figures including Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, Jenny Kee, Collette Dinnigan, Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson of Easton Pearson, Carla Zampatti, Akira Isogawa as well as Simon Lock, the founder of Australian Fashion Week in 1996. The winner of the Australian Fashion Laureate receives a hand-­‐crafted statuette designed by celebrated Australian designer Jan Logan. The Australian Fashion Laureate Award presentation will be held at Mercedes-­‐Benz Fashion Week Australia, at Sydney’s Carriageworks from April 12 -­‐ 16, 2015. The finalists for the Australian Fashion Laureate Awards are: THE AUSTRALIAN FASHION LAUREATE Alex Perry Camilla Freeman-­‐Topper and Marc Freeman of Camilla and Marc Jarrad Clark Nicholas Huxley Nancy Pilcher Toni Maticevski BEST AUSTRALIAN WOMENSWEAR Dion Lee Ellery Maticevski BEST AUSTRALIAN MENSWEAR Song for The Mute Calibre Vanishing Elephant BEST AUSTRALIAN EMERGING DESIGNER By Johnny Emma Mulholland Khalo Strateas.Carlucci For the first time, the recipient of the Best Australian Emerging Designer category will also be awarded with $10,000, thanks to St.George Bank. BEST AUSTRALIAN RETAILER David Jones Parlour X Scanlan Theodore -­‐ENDS-­‐ 2015 Winners: Nicky & Simone Zimmermann, flanked by past Laureate recipients; Jenny Kee, Simon Lock, Carla Zampatti and Akira Isogawa. The Australian Fashion Laureate is an initiative of IMG and the NSW Government, proudly supported by Jan Logan and St.George Bank. For Press Enquiries, contact: Anastasia Rose, NAC Media Group, +61 2 9357 3600, anastasia@nacmedia-­‐group.com