Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman have been named Designers of the Year for their Camilla and Marc label in this year’s IMG Australian Fashion Laureate awards event in Sydney.

The awards are considered to be Australian fashion’s “highest accolades” with finalists chosen by a panel of industry leaders including Australian Fashion Laureate alumni, creatives, top fashion journalists and retail executives.

Other winners this year are:

• People’s Choice: Rebecca Vallance.
• Sustainable Innovation of the Year: Sarah Munro and Robert Sebastian Grynkofki from Sarah and Sebastian.
• Emerging Designer of the Year: Lesleigh Jermanus from Alemais.
• Indigenous Designer of the Year: Laura Thompson of Clothing the Gaps.
• Carla Zampatti Award for Excellence in Leadership: Leila Naja Hibri.

“For 15 years, the Australian Fashion Laureate has provided an important platform to showcase the depth and expertise of the Australian fashion industry,” said Natalie Xenita, VP and MD of IMG’s fashion events and properties for Asia-Pacific.

“It’s a privilege to honour the exceptional talent of today’s winners and nominees and reflect on and celebrate the collective achievements of our industry in the company of esteemed peers.”

Australian artist Ken Done – known for his simple yet brightly coloured images of Australian landmarks – won the Australian Fashion Laureate’s Lifetime Achievement award.

State tourism minister Ben Franklin said the awards are a “fantastic platform” to recognise emerging and established fashion designers and showcase Sydney as the nation’s fashion capital.

The awards are supported by the NSW government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.