Melbourne Fashion Festival announces National Designer Awards finalists
PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival has announced the ten finalists for the 2026 National Designer Award x David Jones, marking the award’s 30th year of championing emerging Australian fashion talent.
Recognising designers within their first eight years of business, the finalists include Alvi Chung (Speed), Erik Yvon, Gabriella Pereira (Beare Park), Grace Kelly (Joaen), Hannah Kim (Haluminous), Jackie Galleghan (Madre Natura), Justin Tong, Nathaniel Youkhana (Youkhana), Rachel Van Brussel (Van Brussel) and Victoria Bliss.
Representing a nationwide mix of cities, the designers will showcase their collections on the National Designer Award runway at the Royal Exhibition Building on 24 February 2026. Three accolades will be awarded on the night, including the top prize of a $20,000 cash bursary and a $150,000 David Jones business development package. Additional awards include an Honourable Mention for Sustainability and the returning People’s Choice Award, with public voting open from 29 January to 17 February.
