Entering its 30th year, Australia’s most prestigious fashion award celebrates the creativity and excellence of designers within their first eight years of business. Representing the very best of Australian fashion, finalists were selected by an esteemed industry panel, with the winner announced before 1,500 guests at the Royal Exhibition Building.
“ In founding JOAEN, I wanted to offer a rare alternative to the noise of fashion — something rooted in emotion, presence, and heritage.
We explore presence and purpose, where each garment becomes part of a woman’s story, shaped by time and wear. JOAEN exists to restore meaning to what we wear and to celebrate the continuity of craft passed down through generations “ – @graccekellyy of @joaen_
The winner of the 2026 National Designer Award
Congratulations to the winners
Honourable Mention for Sustainability @rachel_vanbrussel of @vanbrussel.official
People’s Choice Award @justintong.official.
2026 National Designer Award Winner @graccekellyy of @joaen_
Runway Production @eventgallery
Stylist @jsphleone
Head Dresser/ Stylist Assistant @designbyalias
Runway Set Sculpture @ryan.l.foote
Choreographer @jsmith_productions
Showcaller @jono_somers
Music Director @blackscale_music
Audio Visual & Technical Production @harrythehirer_productions
Hair @joecotroneo@lorealpro_education_aus
Makeup @lancomeofficial@larasrokowski
Designers @alvi_chung of @_speed____ ,@erik_yvon, @gabriella.e.pereira of @bearepark, @graccekellyy of @joaen__ , @digitalteresa of @haluminous_official, @jackiegalleghan of @themadrenatura, @justinsta.xvii of @justintong.official, @nathaniel.youkhana of @__youkhana__ ,@rachel_vanbrussel of @vanbrussel.official and @v.bliss__ of @victoriabliss__
Runway Contributors
@nelson.made@bettsshoes@sirenshoes@camper
@culturesse@szade@aago.jewellery
📷 FOH Imagery @lucasdawsonphotography BOH Imagery @dancastano
@melbfashionfestival#PayPalMFF