Over the past few years the Australian fashion industry has been privy to a handful of young designers hailing from the west coast, with the charming duo behind cult street wear label Illionaire being no exception. Industrial designer Ben Woodcock and vintage-lover Kat Grace are the creative brains behind the youthful unisex brand that’s beginning to make western waves on the eastern front.

Woodcock established the label two years ago with an official launch at the RAFW New Generation showcase in 2007. The range featured boat-neck printed tees, over-sized hoodies, strikingly low-cut singlets and re-worked denim mini-skirts reminiscent of the distinctive General Pants genus; an attribute of labels like Family, Thousand Reasons and Ksubi.

With Woodcock leading the men’s wear and Grace guiding the women’s line, this year Illionaire made its mark on the final day at the RAFW Spring/Summer 08 collections. A fear of becoming fashion’s next ‘jeans and tee’ grunge group, the label has cleaned up its side road style with a hint of haute couture.

This season an array of pastel shades, pearly white, classic black and sizzling bronze unite with luminous fabrics, structured lines and unique graphics. The ladies turn naughty nymph in luxe, skin tight mini dresses, high waisted pants and the unchained chemise, whilst an avenue for the more daring sees gentlemen go upper-class casual in bold blazers, shined-up shorts and funky shirts.

With the latest collection, there’s no doubt this Illionaire pair presents a great example of perfect design partnership ready to take on the fashion world in a boundary breaking way. And I love it.

For stockists, general enquiries or to check out the collections make your way to www.illionaire.com.au

Image- www.vogue.com.au