2024 Emerging Designer Award - Blen

My name is Blen, and I am an emerging fashion designer based in Sydney. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and Textiles from the University of Technology Sydney, I had the privilege of working with several prominent fashion houses, including Pallas Couture and Leah Da Gloria. It was during these experiences that I developed a deep passion for couture, particularly for the meticulous attention to details and the art of garment construction and fit. I also ventured into the fast fashion industry as a print designer, which took me to Guangzhou, China, where I sourced materials and collaborated with manufacturers.
In 2020, I decided to focus on cultivating my own design identity and pursuing my dream of becoming an independent fashion designer.
My design philosophy is rooted in three principles: beauty, truth, and wisdom, inspired by the Renaissance philosophy. Beauty is a universal language that transcends explanation, understood instinctively by all. Through my work, I aim to embody the beauty found in nature, art, and architecture, expressed through shape, silhouette, texture, and color. Truth in my designs is reflected in their originality and authenticity. Wisdom comes through in the techniques and methodologies I apply-whether in patternmaking, garment construction, or intricate detailing and embellishment. I find inspiration in transforming unconventional materials and affordable fabrics into high-end luxury pieces.
To me, fashion is a form of art, and art should be meaningful and purposeful. Through my designs, I aspire to inspire and evoke emotion, creating garments that move the hearts and minds of those who wear them.