Christopher Esber becomes the first Australian designer to win the ANDAM Prize, marking a significant milestone in his career and enhancing his brand’s visibility in the competitive fashion landscape.
Christopher Esber, a prominent name in the fashion industry, is solidifying his position as an influential designer after being awarded France’s prestigious ANDAM Prize in June 2024, a milestone that marks him as the first Australian to receive such recognition. The ANDAM Fashion Awards, established in 1989 and widely regarded as a significant platform for emerging talent, provide substantial support, including a cash prize, mentorship, and the opportunity to establish a presence within the competitive Paris fashion scene.
In a recent interview with Harper’s BAZAAR Australia, Esber reflected on the journey leading up to this achievement and the implications for his brand. “I didn’t actually hear my name, someone was like, ‘You know, it’s you’,” Esber recounted about receiving the award. He expressed surprise at his win, given the competition included renowned figures in the fashion world and designers based in Europe. The ANDAM recognition not only comes with a €300,000 cash prize but also allows Esber to open an office in Paris and benefit from a 12-month mentorship under Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director of Saint Laurent and the jury president of the ANDAM 2024 award.
Following this recognition, Esber reported a surge in buyer interest, stating, “There’s been an influx of [new] buyers, so that’s been a super-nice surprise,” indicating the increased visibility his brand is receiving internationally. His designs have garnered attention from Hollywood celebrities, contributing to a substantial business growth of 86% since 2021. The designer’s creations are known for their intricate detailing, combining high drama and avant-garde concepts, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences and childhood memories. For example, his iconic Warped Sequin Venus Dress, famously worn by model Adwoa Aboah at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, features embellishments and bizarre structuring inspired by rollercoasters.
Born in 1987 in Sydney, Esber grew up in a family of Lebanese immigrants who encouraged his passion for fashion from a young age. After graduating from the Fashion Design Studio at TAFE NSW in 2008, he founded his label just two years later, debuting at Australian Fashion Week in 2010. Initially recognized for his craftsmanship in casual wear, Esber’s artistic vision shifted significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when he began designing eveningwear that resonated with the burgeoning demand for celebratory attire as the world slowly emerged from lockdown.
Esber’s remarks underscore a pivotal shift in his approach related to consumer engagement: “The word going around the office is, you need to have an emotional reaction when you look at a piece, and if it’s not giving you that, then it’s not in the collection,” he explained. This philosophy reflects the designer’s aim to create not just clothing, but pieces that invoke strong feelings and connections.
The designer’s trajectory is set against a challenging backdrop for the Australian fashion industry, particularly as some established brands face struggles. While Esber’s brand flourishes, the recent liquidation of Dion Lee’s label serves as a stark reminder of the industry’s volatility. “It’s definitely hard out there at the moment,” he acknowledges, emphasizing the necessity to continuously innovate and connect with consumers.
As he expands his horizons, Esber has plans to showcase his Fall 2025 collection in Paris and potentially launch a fragrance line, as well as a formal retail presence following a successful pop-up store in Sydney. With ongoing support from the ANDAM Prize and the guidance of industry leaders, Esber is positioned strategically to navigate the complexities of the fashion world, while continuing to build upon his unique aesthetic vision.
Source: Noah Wire Services
