Gary Bigeni: The Australian Helmut Lang

Ever since respected Australian retailer Belinda Seper declared Gary Bigeni "the Australian Helmut Lang," the Sydney designer has moved in leaps and bounds to prove her correct. Having done everything from wardrobe styling for a children's television show to designing for Josh Goot, Bigeni has both industry knowledge and experience. His use of drapery and keen eye for color have helped propel Bigeni's label into an internationally recognized brand from Down Under.

Graduating in fashion design from East Sydney TAFE in 2002, Bigeni took part in the Melbourne Fashion Festival student parade with a project titled "4." In 2004, he showed his collection at Melbourne Fashion Week in a rather different manner: ten models, wearing his latest collection, took to the waiting fashion media in a guerrilla style show, ambushing whomever was present at the time. Bigeni was asked back to show his pieces on the runway, an opportunity that ultimately brought him to some of the most stylish boutiques in the country.

Of this unique approach, Sara Maleki, a buyer for The Corner Shop and Belinda, says: "Our love affair with Gary Bigeni commenced with his first ever collection many years ago. Beyond his masterful approach to patternmaking and drape, he is a truly generous and genuine human being. Without his involvement, our little fashion world would be a darker and less fabulous place."

For more information, see www.garybigeni.com.

—Retna Wooller