JOAEN Crowned Winner of National Designer Award x David Jones

Mar 6

On Tuesday 24 February, Grace Kelly of JOAEN was announced as the winner of the 2026 National Designer Award x David Jones.

Now in its 30th year, the award remains Australia's most prestigious platform for emerging fashion talent, and this year it found a winner making clothes that live with women, not just on them. The award was presented live at the Royal Exhibition Building by Festival CEO Caroline Ralphsmith, David Jones CEO Scott Fyfe and David Jones ambassador Megan Gale.

JOAEN is named for Grace's grandmother Joan and great-grandmother Jean, women who shaped her understanding of craft, quality and continuity. She runs the label with her mother Mandy, a dressmaker and design teacher, carrying three generations of considered making into a modern wardrobe language that is sculptural, tactile and deeply felt. JOAEN joins a lineage of past winners that includes Dion Lee, Romance Was Born, Toni Maticevski and Alèmais.

The Honourable Mention for Sustainability was awarded to Rachel Van Brussel of Van Brussel, and the People's Choice Award went to Justin Tong.

This year's finalists were Alvia Chung of Speed, Erik Yvon, Gabriella Pereira of Beare Park, Hannah Teresa of Haluminous, Jackie Galleghan of Madre Natura, Justin Tong, Nathaniel Youkhana of Youkhana, Rachel Van Brussel of Van Brussel, and Victoria Bliss.

See more of Grace Kelly of JOAEN's work on her website and Instagram.