They may follow a fashion calendar that is reversed from the one that we use, but the fashion scene in Australia is every bit as vibrant and exciting as those in the Northern Hemisphere. Known for their distinct brand of laid-back style, Aussie designer fashion has also come of age over the past couple of decades. In addition to the sporty beachwear that the country is famous for, top-notch labels from Down Under have also been pulling their weight on the international stage. While most of them continue to stay true to the street wear tradition, many of the collections also look decidedly more polished and elegant. Here are three antipodean labels that mean serious business with their cool and edgy threads.

Lover
Log on to the Lover website and you will be greeted with a lovely short film featuring a graceful ballerina. Inspired by the beauty of ballet, the lable’s S/S2011 collection, A Dance For One, draws on both the artistic and athletic elements of dance. Mixing delicate lace with raw hemmed grey sweatshirts, utilitarian jumpers and shirtdresses, the looks come off simultaneously as strong and ethereal. The well-constructed outerwear pieces (e.g. vests, sleeveless jackets, cropped blazers) are also a delight. Lover has definitely come far from its humble beginnings as a weekend market stall.

Ksubi
Ksubi is one of those cult Australian brands that needs little introduction. Having made its mark as one of the leading trend-makers in the niche of designer denim, the brand has then successfully branched out to include a line of impossibly cool street wear in their repertoire. The label’s latest collection, Beware, Wear, is a challenge to the current perception of popular culture. Through the use of print and fabrics, the clothes serves as camouflage for its wearer against the prevalent urban decay. Expect a somber palette of ash and slate, which is then complimented by deep plum and fresh neutrals.

Something Else By Natalie Wood
The name of the label may sound a little forlorn, but the collections themselves are anything but. Helmed by designer/artist Natalie Wood, Something Else is the result of collaborative efforts between highly respected artists from various creative disciplines. Melding high fashion with an indelible street edge, the looks from the latest Middle Of Nowhere collection are pleasingly feminine with beautiful prints and flattering cuts. However, you will never mistake the Something Else girl as ‘just another pretty girl’.

Lover and Ksubi are available at Inhabit – The Other Store (#02-16), while Something Else can be found at The Denim Store (#02-09-11), Mandarin Gallery. Enjoy 10%-50% off storewide at Inhabit and exclusive promotions at The Denim Store during the Great Singapore Sale