Meet 3 Australian Female Designers Changing Fashion with Purpose
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It's interesting how much the fashion landscape has progressed over the years—and yes, we still have a long way to go. Still, in this piece, I want to highlight female fashion founders that I adore. This is not just because they are undeniably immensely creative but for what they stand for. Each of them holds to their values and the impact their brands create. From reimagined tailoring to globally inspired craftsmanship, these three Australian designers are changing the industry—not by following trends, but by creating meaning.
I had the privilege of meeting Bianca during a Fashion Week event a few years ago. Her passion for not only the environment but for women was palpable. I recall her telling the audience that although her process was slightly longer, it was imperative that her garments were Australian made. She works with ateliers and manufacturers who have been part of her journey since inception. For Bianca, it's more than just creating beautiful clothing—it's about encompassing the entire process with integrity.
Bianca Spender is proud to be part of the first cohort of 32 brands accredited under the upcoming industry certification introduced by the Australian Fashion Council. This unifying trademark, part of the "Down Under In Front" campaign, identifies Australian-made and owned brands contributing to local jobs and upholding high creative, social, and environmental standards. Her collections blend structure with soul, and she designs with dead-stock materials, favouring slow, local production. It’s fashion with a conscience, worn with purpose.
Victoria & Woods is another brand that I absolutely adore. Watching Elle Macpherson open the brand’s runway show in 2024 was a reminder of its quiet power—its garments are timeless and appealing to all. Founded by Margie Woods in 2004, the brand has built a legacy of refined, minimalist staples crafted from high-quality natural fibres.
Margie’s values speak loudly through her partnerships: supporting local education through Kangan Institute, launching excess fabric innovation that repurposes archives into bespoke collections, and most recently, partnering with Thread Together to clothe those in need. Viktoria & Woods isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about long-lasting impact—ethical production, circular design, and a commitment to community.
Alémais – Art, Ethics, and a Celebration of Culture
Lesleigh Jermanus is the creative brain behind Alémais, and she brings a burst of colour, art, and cultural storytelling to the Australian fashion scene. A Fine Arts graduate who’s been in the industry for over 20 years, Lesleigh draws on her Lebanese heritage to inspire a wardrobe of vivacious prints, patchwork, and embroidery.
Alémais is a brand that wears its values with pride. With a focus on natural fibres and sustainable practices, it supports artisanal communities while reducing environmental impact. Transparency and respect are woven into the very fabric of the brand. Every piece feels like a joyful celebration—of craftsmanship, individuality, and the hands that bring it to life.
Stitching the Future
Together, Bianca Spender, Viktoria & Woods, and Alémais offer more than beautiful clothes—they offer a blueprint for a better industry. One where integrity, creativity, and sustainability go hand in hand. In a landscape often dominated by noise, these women are building a new kind of fashion story—one that speaks softly, but leaves a lasting impact.
And isn’t that the most stylish thing of all?
by
Maria Ugrinovski
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