Australian Fashion Laureate Winner Announced

Esteemed artist and fashion icon Jenny Kee was honoured last night at an intimate soiree celebrating the best in Australian fashion and design.

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Kee was the recipient of the prestigious Australian Laureate, an award reserved for the fashion industry's most highly regarded talent.

“I’m delighted to acknowledge this year’s Australian Fashion Laureate Jenny Kee, a true pioneer of Australian style,” said NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade & Investment, Andrew Stoner.

With over 40 years in the industry under her belt, Kee is known for her vibrant, colourful designs inspired by the Australian landscape as well as a mix of art history, theatre, Chinese opera, Buddhism and European haute couture. Princess Diana famously took a liking to her designs in the 90s, wearing an array of Kee’s koala knits in public.

“Creating from the beauty of this country continues to inspire me,” commented Kee. “I feel honoured that the Australian fashion world still loves what I do 40 years on!”

Also nominated for the Australian Fashion Laureate were design duo Heidi Middleton and Sarah Jane Clarke from Sass & Bide and Nicky and Simone Zimmermann from Zimmermann. Both labels have recently enjoyed international success, with Sass & Bide storming the London catwalks, and Zimmermann opening its first New York store.

In addition, Nicholas Huxley was a close contender for the award, with his 40+ years experience in the fashion industry holding him in prized stead.

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Previous recipients of the prestigious Laureate award include Akira Isogawa, Collette Dinnigan, Carla Zampatti and Easton Pearson, as well as Australian Fashion Week founder Simon Lock.