The Australian Fashion Foundation (AUSFF) hosted its 16th annual AUSS Scholarship Awards this week, awarding two emerging fashion designers US$20,000 (~A$31,000) and an internship placement with a global fashion powerhouse in 2025.

The awards were presented by The Next Generation and the Australian Fashion Council (AFC), and were hosted at PIERMARQ* Gallery in Surry Hills, Sydney. 

Fashion designers Ethan Bergersen of University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Indigo Stuart of RMIT University were the winners, selected from a shortlist of 10 designers which included Frank Taplin, Georgia Brookes, Jam McKerracher, Kit Looi, Laura Heron, Little Pat Mooreswell, Madison Cusumano, and Yishan Yao. 

This year’s winners were selected by a judging panel of nine leaders within the Australian fashion industry, including Zimmermann co-founder and creative director Nicky Zimmermann, Camilla & Marc co-founder and creative director Camilla Freeman-Topper, and AFC CEO Jaana Quaintance-James. 

Previous winners had completed internships at Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Dion Lee, Louis Vuitton, Oscar de la Renta and Thom Browne.

According to AUSFF, the eight others in the shortlist will continue to be provided with opportunities to build their skills at an international level.

AUSFF co-founder and fellow judge Malcom Carfrae said the global fashion industry is experiencing a major shift of opportunity right now. 

“We’re seeing a seismic transition of designers in the major houses, and in Australia I’m excited to see what will no doubt be one of the most important Australian Fashion Weeks in 2025, led by the Australian Fashion Council, which I’m grateful to call one of our partners. 

“Together with the Australian Fashion Council and The Next Generation, along with the support of our esteemed panel of judges, we are ensuring that the future of Australian creative talent can be part of that global conversation. 

“This year’s finalists proved once again just how much skill, promise and prowess Australia has offer in this area, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for our two winners.” 

Quaintance-James said investing in the next generation of creative talent can also break down barriers that often stand in the way of success. 

“It’s an invaluable opportunity for emerging designers to gain international experience, build critical networks, and innovate – what an incredible opportunity to advance our industry talent globally,” she said.

Artist, Louise Olsen – the co-founder of Dinosaur Designs – again created and generously donated the bespoke award trophies for the winning students. 

The cocktail celebration and awards ceremony was attended by Australian fashion industry guests including Christine Centenera, Jill Davison, Nancy Pilcher, Kellie Hush and Victoria Lee, alongside Ragtrader.

AUSFF is a New York-based global non-profit organisation which supports emerging Australian creative talent to gain world class fashion experience and mentorship. 

The AUSFF Scholarship Awards are open to designers, photographers, stylists, writers, and art directors – any fashion profession that meets the criteria of eligibility.