Next Gen 2023

Next Gen is an annual endowment granted to the most promising fashion, accessories, and jewellery design talents from Australia. Finalists and ultimate winners are selected based on demonstrable talent, innovative use of technology and sustainable design methods, and capacity for future success.

Since 1996, Next Gen has invigorated Australian fashion and design talent by providing a program for emerging designers to showcase their abilities. With the goal of identifying Australia’s emerging designers, Next Gen has helped discover and launch the careers of top industry names including AKIRA, Anna Quan, BEC + BRIDGE, CAMILLA AND MARC and sass & bide, among others. 

In 2023, Next Gen will be strategically powered by DHL, with a particular emphasis on fostering innovation and sustainability in the fashion sector. Next Gen is overseen by a prestigious panel comprising senior leaders from Vogue, Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar, Fashionista, IMG Fashion Events Asia-Pacific and regional and international fashion trailblazers, Libby Page (Market Director, Net-a-Porter), Rhys Ripper (Creative Director, Founder of Cobber Magazine and Mate Model Management), Bridget Veals (General Manager Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories, David Jones), Bianca Spender (Founder and Creative Director, Bianca Spender), and Tyrone Susman (Model and Designer, Rick Owens).

Maximising visibility and sales opportunities for four winning designers, Next Gen will award winning designers with substantial retail opportunities, editorial/press, industry networking opportunities, global marketing, and mentorship, collectively representing over $100,000 in value. The winning designer will receive a $2,000 DHL International shipping credits with DHL Express. Furthermore, all four winners will be dedicated a runway show on the official Afterpay Australian Fashion Week schedule.

Next Gen recognises the new guard of innovators influencing the future of fashion design in Australia, and winners will be selected not only for their experience in design, but their ability to harness fashion’s power as a tool for communicating social and environmental messages that influence culture.