The Judges

Vanessa Rochman

Vanessa studied a BA in Fashion Design at RMIT in Melbourne and then went on to start her own label, which she ran for nearly 6 years before starting at Metalicus five years ago.

As a designer she is constantly looking out for details which inspire her. She often finds she starts from a few small ideas which will then evolve into a whole collection.

Designing for Metalicus Vanessa keeps in mind that she wants those who buy it to feel free to make their individual style statement and wear the label to enhance their own wardrobe, whilst feeling comfortable at the same time.

Dhav Naidu

To say the veritable Dhav Naidu is passionate about style is an understatement.

Travelling the globe, nurturing designers and working as creative director on shows in nearly all continents has allowed him to experience every aspect of the industry. He eats, breathes and thrives on all things stylish, although he quickly adds it is a job not a lifestyle.

Dhav works across the media from magazines and newspapers to recently finishing up as style director on a major TV network. He’s now working on an exciting TV project to be seen later this year.

He wishes his epitaph to be his lifelong mantra – fashion is what you buy, style is what you possess!

Gwendolynne Burkin

Gwendolynne Burkin's artistic vision and overwhelmingly beautiful creations are composed by an intuitive and emotive force. Interpreting & exploring tradition in a modern context, each collection evolving and blending references from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Gwendolynne’s pursuit of unique beauty utilising rare luxury fabric, embellishment and experimental cut, has ensured attention by media and buyers globally and resulted in national and international recognition in the world of fashion and beyond.

She has accumulated almost a decade of professional experience locally and overseas working for commercial, and elite international designers as a pattern maker, designer & machinist before starting her signature label in 1997. Since its inception Gwendolynne has been recognised as a significant luxury brand.

Aaron O'Donnell

Aaron O'Donnell (CEO Fashiontv Oceania) purchased the rights for the Fashiontv brand for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands in 2008. His persistence and dedication have paid off, with the undertaking representing an exciting evolution in the way fashiontv operates within the region.

A regular attendee of global fashion weeks and FTV events around the world, Mr O'Donnell’s travels have given him a global perspective on both the fashion and media industries which he is proud to bring to his role in the search to find Australia's next big designer.

Mr O’Donnell believes "Designers are the backbone of the station. We are excited and proud to be the leader in promoting them, not only at a regional but global level."