We’ve had our eyes on Esber’s meticulous tailoring for years now, and he’s been building a solid international reputation, joining Kym Ellery for a joint presentation at New York Fashion Week last September. But being up against the inimitable Dion Lee, who took home last year’s prize in what was a deserved yet predictable victory, meant his own eyes have probably focused on the 2013 accolade for quite a while.
The prize gives Esber $50,000 cash to be put towards his business and puts him in the running for the International Woolmark Prize. If he wins that, he’ll get a further $100,000 and prime real estate on the floors of Saks Fifth Avenue, 10 Corso Como, Harvey Nichols and David Jones. In that leg, though, he’ll be up against some stiff competition, including Joseph Altuzarra (US), Sibling (London), ffiXXed (Asia) and one TBA label from India and the Middle East.
Esber’s winning entry featured a looped wool cream vest with a textural camouflage pattern worn over a black cropped jumpsuit with front and back zips. It was modeled on the exquisite Emma Balfour, who, as always, looks nothing like her 40-something years.
Celebrate Esber’s victory with a look back through his slick NYFW collection and his romp in a shadowy forest with Sydneysider Holly Blake.
Image: Christopher Esber’s Facebook
