The deft, languid and feminine silhouettes of Gabriella Pereira took centre stage on November 21 as the creative director of Beare Park was awarded the Emerging Designer Of The Year award at the 2024 Australian Fashion Laureate.

“Working in this industry is not without its challenges but I have to say, the growth [my brand] has seen in the last six months is so reassuring and it’s been topped off by opening our first standalone bricks and mortar store in Potts Point. The Australian luxury customer is out there. She values ethically Australian made quality and we’re so honoured to make pieces for her.

“Beare Park is the first brand I have properly worked at and, trust me, there has been plenty of trial and error,” she continued. “But without the generosity of so many fellow designers sharing their suppliers, networks and experiences with me, this ex-corporate-girl-turned-overnight-fashion-designer wouldn’t have made it very far.”

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Taking place inside the tiered sails of Bennelong restaurant at the Sydney Opera House, other winners included Lesleigh Jermanus from ALÈMAIS who took home Designer of the Year, Grace Lillian Lee who won the Indigenous Designer of the Year award, Laura May and Hannah Gibbs from Nagnata who were the recipients of the Sustainable Designer of the Year award, Andie Halas who was the winner of the prized Carla Zampatti Award for Excellence in Leadership, and Stephen Bennett who was awarded the prestigious Australian Fashion Laureate for Lifetime Achievement.

IMG, who has owned and operated Australian Fashion Week for the past 20 years, announced last week it would no longer be backing the annual event. Natalie Xentia, IMG’s Vice President and Managing Director for APAC, fought back tears as she addressed the industry at the luncheon today.

“We’ve all worked so tirelessly to support the industry. There’s also countless crew and volunteers who have supported our team to make our event possible over the years and each and every one of you have left a lasting mark—so we thank you.

“I’d also like to acknowledge IMG’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Chris Gilbert, for his incredible contribution in the last 20 years to Australian Fashion Week.

“And finally, I’d like to thank Nikki Andrews and the entire NAC team who have been by our side for many years. We couldn’t have done it without you and we’re very grateful for your partnership. So, thank you everyone, thanks so much for being here for our last event.”

The room erupted and stood to applause.

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