Wayne Cooper is one of the best known names in the Australian fashion industry today. It was however, the streets of the British capital that spawned one of this country’s hottest and most enduring design talents.

Born in London’s East End, Wayne grew up with a love of fashion and became well known for his sense of style. Wayne’s initial career direction was to study and practice law in the UK, before the lure of the Australian Fashion Industry won him over.

Wayne immersed himself in the Australian fashion scene at one of its most pivotal times.1985 saw the beginning of his illustrious fashion career. Studying at the country’s premier design schools, East Sydney Technical College, he also worked in one of the country’s most renowned fashion stores at that time, Masons.

It wasn’t long before Wayne dived into the industry himself working in a successful fashion business partnership for seven years before taking centre stage with his first label Brave.

With long time collaborator and renowned stylist Jean Ferraud at his side, the pair took Brave to a new level in Australian fashion. Wayne and Jean created a label that combined the use of the most exclusive fabrics from Paris, London and New York with a cheeky, irreverent and rock n’ roll sense of style.

In 1996 the launch of his signature label, WAYNE COOPER, brought a more exclusive collection to complement the BRAVE label. In just five short years he rose to the top of Australia’s fashion industry. Adding to this, in 2002, the BRAVE label was replaced by WAYNE by Wayne Cooper – a youthful, sexy label.

Each season both collections, WAYNE COOPER and WAYNE by Wayne Cooper, feature approximately 200 styles and showcase many innovative and exclusive fabrics, which range from silk to jersey and fine wool to cotton.

Not surprisingly Wayne Cooper has become one of the stars of Australian Fashion Week, showing at the premier event for the past 10 years. His high-wattage shows have become one of the drawcards of the international event and have attracted some of the world’s leading models including Linda Evangelista, Sarah Murdoch, Eva Herzigova  Amber Valetta and Alec Wek,.

Today Wayne still demonstrates what every great designer needs, the ability to read what will be hot for the season ahead.

www.waynecooper.com.au