While Australia may be best known for its beautiful beaches, impressive wildlife and the musical stylings of Kylie Minogue, the style set has long been enamoured with its fashion designers. The country’s stunning coastlines and sandy beaches may have inspired an array of elegant beach and resortwear labels (Iooking at you, Zimmermann and Matteau) but thanks to its varied landscape, you’ll also find a diverse range of brands catering to every style and preference here. Plus, a new generation of young designers from Down Under are changing the game with their sustainably-driven, ethical approach to fashion. From St. Agni’s elevated basics to Dion Lee’s experimental tailoring, here are the best Australian fashion brands to shop now.

Zimmermann

Perhaps the most high profile name on this list, you simply can’t talk about the Australian fashion scene without mentioning Zimmermann. Founded in Sydney in 1991 by sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, the brand has been offering up its signature floaty silhouettes and painterly florals ever since. Now a major international player, fans include everyone from fashion editors and celebrities to royalty, with the Princess of Wales, Beyonce, Dua Lipa and Aussie cool-girl Margot Robbbie all spotted in the brand’s romantic designs. A mainstay in any stylish traveller’s holiday wardrobe, Zimmermann’s striking prints and uber-feminine silhouettes are instantly recognisable and as summery as they come.

For a signature slice of Zimmermann’s whimsical style, invest in one of the brand’s classic floral dresses – like this linen minidress with billowing sleeves and a delicate print. Elsewhere, this sunset-inspired ombré swimsuit is flecked with metallic threads to help you sparkle by the pool.

Alémais

A masterclass in dopamine dressing, turn to Alémais for feel-good clothing that’s also kind to the planet. Drawing on her Lebanese heritage, Australian designer Lesleigh Jermanus offers an eclectic and relaxed wardrobe featuring punchy florals and wildlife-inspired prints and embroideries. Wherever possible, the brand considers its environmental impact – 89 per cent of its collections are made from organic or recycled fabrics while it also funds the planting of trees to help restore healthy ecosystems.

Pair the brand’s sunshine-hued linen Gisela dress with the matching sun hat for a romantic summer date. The Mana floral skirt, on the other hand, is great for wrapping over your swimsuit at the beach or pairing with a shirt for a sunny day in the capital.

Aje

Another popular Australian fashion export, you’ve almost certainly spotted Aje’s contemporary occasionwear on your Instagram feed. Founded in 2008 by friends Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest, the brand crafts effortlessly elegant pieces that transcend trends. Think satin maxi dresses with hand-painted florals, voluminous summer dresses with sleek cut-outs and asymmetric hems, and denim basics with unexpected panelling and generously billowing sleeves. Trust us, you’ll be reaching for Aje’s luxurious pieces all year long.

Got a summer wedding coming up? The crinkled Becoming dress will pair well with strappy sandals for an outdoor venue while the voluminous Fallingwater dress is perfect for an evening event.

Dion Lee

A symphony of experimental construction and traditional tailoring, Dion Lee has been favoured by cool girls the world over since it launched in Sydney in 2009. With technical construction and a focus on sculptural silhouettes underpinning his design vocabulary, eponymous designer Dion Lee crafts wearable pieces that make a statement. From corset tops and figure-flattering ruched dresses to sleek cut-out knitwear and Noughties-inspired mini skirts, his progressive pieces have been sported by stars including Taylor Swift, Bella Hadid and Kylie Minogue.

For SS24, highlights include this corset crewneck T-shirt and workwear-inspired parachute trousers. Wear together with box-fresh trainers for a streetwear-chic look.

Christopher Esber

Those in the know will be familiar with Christopher Esber’s striking dresses – most of which feature unexpected cut-outs and jewel embellishments. Having started his brand in Sydney in 2010, Esber has since built a loyal army of stylish followers, including Zendaya, Dua Lipa and Rosie Huntingtion-Whiteley. His minimal designs are infused with traditional menswear construction techniques for an edgy finish – think raw accents, sportswear-inspired fabrics and relaxed silhouettes.

This minidress, featuring ruched ring cutouts at the neck, waist and hip, is a good example of Esber’s signature style. Not keen on a fitted dress? Subtly show some skin with the Minette mesh flats.

Ksubi

Boasting a cult global following, Ksubi is one of Australia’s most recognisable fashion brands. Founded in 1999, its grunge origins continue to inform its coveted denim offering. Leaning into an irreverent design language of distressed denim and raw finishes, expect jeans ranging from ultra skinny to wide-leg fits in addition to faded cut-offs, fitted bustiers and cropped denim jackets. Ksubi also comes highly endorsed by a coterie of style mavens – from A$AP Rocky and The Weeknd to Kendall Jenner and Hailey Beiber. The Playback jeans make for a reliable everyday option while the asymmetric Rap mini skirt is perfect for music festivals. Wear yours with a graphic T-shirt and cowboy boots.

Deiji Studios

Byron Bay-based friends Juliette Harkness and Emma Nelson launched Deiji Studios in 2016 with the aim of offering effortless loungewear as comfortable as your favourite sheets. One look at the growing popularity of the brand’s unfussy linen designs and it’s clear it has succeeded. The brand’s luxurious loungewear – from stylish pyjamas and nighties to cosy knits and kimonos – is made from 100 per cent biodegradable or recycled natural fabrics including linen, cotton and hemp.

This white pyjama set adorned with delicate bows is the perfect weight to wear year-round while the popular 03 line shirt-and-shorts set is far too cool to be relegated to the bedroom.

Matteau

This beachwear label has blown up over the last few years – and it’s not hard to see why. Founded in 2015 by sisters Ilona Hamer and Peta Heinsen, Matteau is on a mission to provide simple yet flattering swimsuits with its collection of fuss-free bikinis and cult-favourite square-neck swimsuits. Beyond swimwear, the label’s timeless separates, dresses and cover-ups is extensive enought to outfit your entire holiday. Made entirely in Australia, the label is focused on long-term sustainability and is currently working on projects to offset its carbon emissions.

While Matteau’s classic black Square swimsuit is a holiday must-have, we also love this uber-versatile cotton poplin shirtdress detailed with floral broderie – wear as a cover up, on its own with a belt, or with tailored trousers for a formal twist.

Sir.

Founded by Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote in 2014, Sir. draws inspiration from the Australian coast for its laidback separates, intimates and ready-to-wear. What started as an online capsule has since grown into an expansive collection of easy-to-wear staples – from printed co ords and linen dresses to elegant satin skirts and chic tailoring.

Make a statement in the bright Primrose dress at your next garden party or pick the neutral-hued Affogato dress for a piece that absolutely deserves top spot in your holiday suitcase this summer.

Sleeping With Jacques

Melbourne-native Jacqui Hoang may have founded Sleeping With Jaques in 2017 as a nightwear brand, but its glamorous loungewear has since made its way far beyond the bedroom. Seductive and sophisticated, the brand’s offering spans from lingerie and sleepwear to elegant basics made from sustainably-sourced natural fabrics and a certified ethical supply chain. Whether you’re on the hunt for a sensual dress for a summer soirée or simply wish to look your best in bed, Sleeping With Jacques has you covered.

Throw on the Bon Vivant robe over your pyjamas for a touch of old-Hollywood glamour or, if you’re brave enough, pair with the matching tuxedo trousers and a satin shirt for dinner in the city. Alternatively, wear the ultra-feminine Sophia dress with kitten-heeled sandals and lashings of gold jewellery for a sultry look.

St. Agni

If you’re looking to curate a wardrobe filled with timeless staples, look to Gen Z favourite St. Agni. Founded in Byron Bay by Lara and Matt Fells, the brand offers minimalist tailored pieces designed to be worn forever. With a deep focus on using locally sourced natural and recycled fabrics, its ready-to-wear collections include everything you need to create a modern uniform – from tank tops and vests to work dresses and summer-ready sandals. St. Agni’s take on the perennially trendy denim skirt will be a favourite for weekends in the city while its relaxed fit tank top goes with everything.

Anna Quan

Anna Quan founded her eponymous label in 2013 with a simple reimagining of the white shirt. Now, it offers a range of wearable staples designed to withstand fleeting trend cycles and last forever. Quan continues to reinterpret classics with unexpected flourishes – think ruched waists on satin maxis, knitted polo dresses, and satin shirts with exaggerated cuffs. Wear the Riley wide-leg trousers with a white shirt to work or with an embellished crop top and platform heels for a night out. Elsewhere, the green satin Kiera gown is inspired by that Kiera Knightley dress from Atonement and is as stunning as the original.

Read more: The best women’s shirts for every occasion