Australian Designers Modernizing Fashion

We credit certain parts of the world for some of the most talented European and American fashion designers, but it seems as if one country is often overlooked. Some of fashion's biggest up and comers are brilliant and artistic designers from Australia. Here's a look at a few Australian designers bringing cutting edge style to contemporary womens RTW fashion.

WOODFORD & CO

Australian fashion designer Sheree Commerford is the creator behind the new women's fashion label Woodford and Co. The collection is inspired by everything from travels of the country and the coast with preppy ivy-league influences. The result is a modern collection with traditional clean-cut styling, mixed with Simplistic, dreamy feminine designs.

Favorite pieces from this year's collection include tailored blazers like the Beetle Jacket ($334) a faded denim jacket featuring banding and studs at the lapels and cuffs and the Cali Blazer (also $334) a 3 button twill jacket with padded shoulders, logo patch at bust pocket and contrast trim throughout. There are also great holiday pieces like sequenced v-neck dresses and hot pants. Woodford and Co fashion & clothing is stocked at over fifty boutiques throughout Australia, New Zealand and internationally through fashion forward online retailers.

LOVER

Launched in 2001, Lover is an Australian fashion line that has garnered plenty of prominent media press and celebrity followings including actresses Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson and Kate Bosworth. Designers Susien Chong and Nic Briand have created a line they describe as romantic and dramatic with a touch of rock'n'roll swagger.

Its current collection features an eccentric blend of romance and casualty with strong feminine pieces such as lace tops and silk shorts. There are also some masculine silhouettes with girly twists, like a shirt dress made of silk-chiffon with long blouson sleeves. Lover is available at select boutiques, department stores and online retailers worldwide.

WILLOW

Willow debuted in 2003 at Mercedes-Benz Australian Fashion Week. Since then WILLOW has evolved into a global business with the collection sold in department stores like Harvey Nichols worldwide and online globally through net-a-porter.com, matchesfashion.com and shopbop.com. Designer Kit Willow created a luxury fashion label with elegant and timeless designs using sophisticated fabrics and featuring flattering cuts.

Willow's current collection offers feminine pieces designed using elegant fabrics in shades of Nectar and Olive. There are signature designs like blazers, wide leg trousers and strapless silk dresses displaying the designer's talent for draping.