Commencing her career in the Fashion department at Cleo, Alison Izzo has spent time at POPSUGAR, Dolly and Ten Play before being approached for her current role as the Digital Editor of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia.  When it comes to all things fashion and media- Alison really knows her stuff!
Of the graduates of 2016, Alison says:
“Truth be told, I found judging this year’s Emerging Designer Showcase much harder than I expected it to be! The calibre of the students selected was truly impressive, and the diversity of their work made the task to choose just five near impossible. I’d like to congratulate all of the entrants on producing such cohesive and well-conceived collections and thank Flaunter for providing this platform to showcase these talented designers. If these students are anything to go by, the future of Australian fashion is bright.”
Who will Alison be keeping her eyes on? 
Elie Chahene, Whitehouse Institute of Design

“It’s refreshing to see contemporary eveningwear and Elie’s whimisical but considered aesthetic would be a welcome addition to a sometimes limited market and uninspiring offering. The detailing captured my attention – as it’s both modern but still undoubtedly feminine, as well as his unique silhouettes – especially the necklines. These are the sorts of dresses that demand an occasion to be worn – the Met Gala? The Cannes film festival? A red carpet premiere? I hope we see Elie Chahene’s designs at all of the above, and soon.”
 
Tony Lee, UTS

“What a joyous thing to examine Tony Lee’s collection! Knitwear sadly so often falls into the functional but boring ‘stay-warm’ category of our wardrobes, but Lee’s inspired take on wovens makes me want to replace every ‘safe’ (read: boring) knitted item in my wardrobe with something that sings – ie: anything from his graduate collection. Lee showcases the fun that can be had with this inherently textural medium whilst deftly avoiding any ‘crafty’ connotations. Combine that with his modern colour palette and playful use of proportions and you get wearable works of art that are any but ‘boring’.”
 
Handsy Swimwear (Emma Standen), TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio

“Australians are known for creating fantastic swimwear and I think that Handsy Swimwear has the hallmarks of what could be a very commercially successful label – sexy, inventive, but with a distinctly sophisticated take on the swim category. I love the oversized eyelet fasteners and the organic lattice-like strap detailing on their separates; which make for some striking silhouettes (and some interesting tan lines!). I could see these designs on the toned bodies of Tamarama, where glamour rules and  swimsuits are expected to make a statement. My only question is where can I buy one?”
 
Nessie Croft, RMIT

“There’s an alluring dichotomy in Nessie’ Croft’s designs, but the overarching feeling is one of modern ease. Overtly feminine, boudoir-esque pieces work effortlessly with oversized separates that are clearly inspired by masculine tailoring. The girl Croft seems to be designing for is comfortable in her own skin, and confident enough to ignore the clichés of gendered dressing. These are modern clothes, made for consumers who know who they are, but don’t need to shout about it.”
 
Celia Cox, QUT

“I love the organic, graphic and somewhat playful designs of Celia Cox; she looks to have a have had fun creating this surrealistic-inspired collection. Her use of languid, artful lines and saturated, block colours will ensure her clothes demand the limelight, and given Cox’s considered construction (I particularly enjoyed the crisp white, contrasting lining of these emerald, side-split trousers) I think she should stand centre stage. I can’t wait to see her next act.”