Lesleigh Jermanus of Alémais Named Designer of the Year at 2024 Australian Fashion Laureate Awards
At the 2024 Australian Fashion Laureate Awards, Lesleigh Jermanus, co-founder and creative director of the Australian brand Alémais, was honored as Designer of the Year. She and her husband, Chris Buchanan, established Alémais in 2020 following her tenure at Zimmermann and Marcs. Jermanus is known for her focus on color, storytelling, and craftsmanship, partnering with various artists each season. Her inaugural collection initiated the Alémais Forest Project, resulting in the planting of 37,500 trees over 12 hectares. The Pre-Fall collection captures the essence of high summer. Designed by YSG Studio, her Sydney workspace is intended to foster happiness. Influences include Peggy Guggenheim and Frida Kahlo, and she cherishes her travels and relationships with artisans and suppliers.
Key facts
- Lesleigh Jermanus was named Designer of the Year at the 2024 Australian Fashion Laureate Awards.
- She launched Alémais in 2020 with husband and co-founder Chris Buchanan.
- Prior to Alémais, she held senior design roles at Zimmermann and Marcs.
- Alémais partners with a different artist each season.
- Jermanus worked with artisans in Vietnam and Kenya before founding the label.
- The Alémais Forest Project will plant 37,500 trees across 12 hectares.
- Her Sydney studio was designed by YSG Studio and includes Loco Love chocolates and fresh fruit.
- She cited Peggy Guggenheim, Frida Kahlo, Antoni Gaudi, Salvador Dali, and Patti Smith as creative influences.
Entities
Artists
- Lesleigh Jermanus
- Chris Buchanan
- Peggy Guggenheim
- Frida Kahlo
- Antoni Gaudi
- Salvador Dali
- Patti Smith
Institutions
- Alémais
- Zimmermann
- Marcs
- Australian Fashion Laureate Awards
- YSG Studio
- Alémais Forest Project
- Loco Love
Locations
- Australia
- Queensland
- Sydney
- Vietnam
- Kenya
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Sagrada Familia