Joseph & James
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Joseph & James is a ready-to-wear menswear label helmed by Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander woman, Juanita Page. The line has a particular focus on producing high-quality and timeless basics, with Juanita drawing inspiration for her collections from a variety of mediums, including music, film, and architecture. Featuring custom-developed fabrics, and a highly considered colour palette of mixed prints and textures, if you’re looking to add streetwear-inspired silhouettes with a sophisticated and refined edge to your collection, this label is not to be missed. Shop here.
Cue
A longtime Australian wardrobe staple, there’s barely a closet that hasn’t been touched by Cue. If you’ve spotted Cue’s most recent collections, you’ll be well aware the brand seems to have undergone somewhat of a reinvention. While the label has clearly shifted its focus to more fashion-forward and edgier silhouettes and fabrications (perhaps taking cues from its sister label Dion Lee), the brand has remained true to its core, with all garments being produced in line with a strict code of ethical and sustainable conduct. Shop here.
Alemais
A go-to for occasion dressing, Aelmais' stunning dresses, shirts, skirts, and pants perfectly embody the relaxed and whimsical spirit of Australian fashion. While the label’s beautiful designs may exude a relaxed feel, the details and craftsmanship of this label bring a refined fit to every garment that is not to be underestimated. You can also shop, knowing your purchases are environmentally and ethically balanced, thanks to Alemais's commitment to planet-friendly practices, such as planting a tree for every piece purchased. Shop here.
Henne
Founded by sisters and friends Nadia Bartel, Michelle Ring, and Laura Broque, Australian fashion label Henne will be showcasing its collection for the second consecutive year at AAFW. Since its inception in 2019, the label has become a source for everyday wardrobe staples and wearable basics. Inspired by a minimalist philosophy, the brand looks to Nordic sensibility, Italian expression, and Australian effortlessness when creating their pieces, mindfully selecting fabrics to form an enduring and curated wardrobe. Shop here.
St Agni
St Agni’s collections have been the talking point of AAFW in recent years and we can’t imagine this year will be any different. Bringing a unique and refined point of view to every collection, the label has become well known for its pared-back, yet perfectly executed wardrobe staples that fuse sleek minimalism with a chic Australian aesthetic. If you’re looking to add a subtly-sexy event-ready dress to your wardrobe or require some elevated basics, look no further than St Agini. Shop here.
Maggie Marilyn
While not actually an Australian label, we are more than happy to adopt New-Zealand based fashion brand, Maggie Marilyn, which is scheduled to show at AAFW this year. The B-corp-certified brand is slowly taking over our wardrobes with its sustainably and expertly crafted pieces, offering the perfect balance of statement-making items and functional and foundational basics. Shop here.
Aje
Masters of special occasion dressing, Aje has become the Aussie fashion girl’s answer to what to wear to any event. Originally founded in 2008, by friends Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest, the brand has evolved into an internationally recognised contemporary label thanks to its signature collection of bold silhouettes, colourful patterns and uniquely feminine edge. If you’re looking for the perfect dress to wear to a special occasion, then this show is not to be missed. Shop here.
Haulier
You could be mistaken for thinking Australian-born brand Haulier has been around a lot longer than it actually has. Only established in 2020, the Sydney-based brand has quickly become a go-to for the fashion travel set. With pieces crafted in Europe to the highest standards, Haulier products are designed to endure the hardships of both everyday wear and international adventures. In fact, we’re certain ours have gotten even better with age. Shop here.
Blanca
An extension of the well-loved Reliqua family, Blanca has become well-known for its distinctly oversized, androgynous, and boldly coloured silhouettes. A go-to for menswear-inspired shirting with a vintage feel, the brand has nailed everything from matching sets to knitwear, ensuring every piece is an easy-to-wear wardrobe addition. The brand also focuses on limited-run releases in an effort to cut down on the fashion waste created from excess stock. Shop here.
Anna Quan
An AAFW veteran, Anna Quan’s collections are never to be missed. Founded in 2013, the label quickly established itself as a unique player in the Australian fashion market with its individual take on refined tailoring and minimal silhouettes. While the brand is coveted for its shirting-inspired pieces and suiting, it has also become a must-shop label for event and special occasion dressing, with its evening capsule collections not to be missed. Shop here.
Wynn Hamlyn
Adding another New-Zealand based designer to our list, namesake brand Wynn Hamlyn was established in 2015, quickly making its mark in the Aotearoa fashion landscape, before becoming an internationally loved label. Designing both womenswear and menswear, the brand purposely keeps its collections small (and expertly crafted). The label's bold and unexpected aesthetic has made it a go-to for statement-making pieces, alongside tailoring and knitwear. Shop here.
Want more AAFW? Get tickets to Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023 here.
Image credit: Maggie Marilyn | Wynn Hamlyn | Haulier
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.