Commas, Sydney-based men’s resort wear line won the 2021 National Designer Award which is considered as one of Australia’s leading emerging designer trophies.

The announcement of the winner took place at the pre-launch of the Melbourne Fashion Festival, on Feb 18, 2021 where Richard Jarman- Commas founder and creative director, Emma Jarman- his wife and business partner, won a prize money of 10,000 Australian dollars or $7,909 at current exchange in cash, marketing support and a mentorship program. The award’s Honorable Mention for Sustainability was also won by Commas along with event partner David Jones.

Commas was launched in 2016 by Jarman who was a former property valuer with no formal fashion training. Initially it was launched as a line of swimming shorts made from recycled polyester but later on it expanded into a full men’s resort wear. Since Day One, sustainability was a key focus of the company. Organic cottons and deadstock fabrics were used to manufacture the ready-to-wear which were packed using biodegradable or recyclable packaging and transported using carbon neutral freight. a recycling and five-year warranty program is also offered by the brand for its swimwear.

Commas was among the 8 emerging Australian men’s wear labels which were selected for the “Guest Nation Australia '' showcase in June 2017 at Pitti Uomo. Along with this, the brand’s digital presentations have also been included on Milan Fashion Week’s official men’s wear schedules since past two seasons. The range of clothing is available on its own ecommerce site, along with other 9 international stockists spread over 6 markets including Canada’s Ssence, matchesfashion.com, MyTheresa and Bloomingdales and Harvey Nichols in Dubai.

Graeme Lewsey Melbourne Fashion Festival chief executive officer, Jillian Davison Vogue Australia creative director, David Jones’ heads of women’s wear and men’s wear, Bridget Veals and Chris Wilson, and Scanlan Theodore cofounder Gary Theodore were there in the judging panel.

Lewsey said that he felt honored in meeting talented designers so early in their development as the National Designer Award gives them a career-defining opportunity which has helped lead some of Australia’s top designers to incredible success. This retail-focussed festival is celebrating its silver jubilee this year and will happen from March 11 to 20 at different venues across Melbourne.