Wayne Cooper, one of Australia’s leading fashion designers, is considered the Aussie’s bad boy of fashion. Cooper is known for his extravagantly styled and produced runway shows, which are always a sophisticated combination of up-to-the-minute technology, unique venues and original soundtracks. He is also known to attract the best international models, including Amber Valetta, Linda Evangelista, Alec Wek, Sarah O’Hare, Eva Herzigova and Carmen Cass.
Cooper grew up in London’s East End and despite a strong love of fashion, he went to university and completed a law degree. As you can imagine that didn’t last for long. For the past 10 years he has shown his two labels, WAYNE COOPER and WAYNE, at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week and has received glowing reviews from critics. His collections are often described as rock ‘n’ roll, spirited, cheeky, irreverent and romantic.
Each season Cooper pays tribute to a different muse – a woman of glamour or charm whom he thinks embodies the spirit of the moment (past muses have included Faye Dunaway, Charlotte Rampling and Michelle Pfeiffer).
One of his greatest creative strengths is his openness to external influences. In the past he has collaborated with local designers and artists including architect Iain Halliday, shoe designers Donna May and Terry Biviano, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra animation production company Engine, among others.
