ELLE Australia hosted the first Next Gen Awards last night at Saltbox in Sydney, recognising emerging creative talent across fashion, music, film, art and literature.
The awards, sponsored by Swarovski and OPPO, were presented to a room of more than 130 guests from across the creative industries, with ELLE Australia editor Jessica Bailey as host.
Courtney Zheng
2025 Next Gen Award winners:
• Next Gen Icon: Sophie Wilde (actor)
• Next Gen Actor: Yerin Ha (actor)
• Next Gen Designer: Courtney Zheng (fashion designer)
• Next Gen Filmmaker: Phoebe Wolfe (film director)
• Next Gen Artist: Hayley Millar Baker (artist/filmmaker)
• Next Gen Musician: Kita Alexander (singer-songwriter)
• Next Gen Beauty Star: Rowi Singh (makeup artist, content creator, brand founder)
• Next Gen Writer: Madison Griffiths (author, advocate)
• Next Gen Model: Anna Robinson (model, ELLE September cover star)
Bambi Northwood-Blyth
Notable attendees included Gemma Ward, Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett (Romance Was Born), Maria Thattil, Maia Mitchell, Aubri Ibrag, Bambi Northwood-Blyth, Achok Akoi and Petra Mackova.
Are Media and sponsor representatives included Sally Eagle, Are Media Director of Content; Anna Quinn, Are Media Director of Sales; Nicky Briger, Are Media General Manager of Luxury; Gonçalo Pinto da Costa, Swarovski Head of Marketing; and Michael Tran, OPPO Director of Global Marketing and Brand Strategy.
Jessica Bailey said: “ELLE has a truly unique ability to connect with young women, and part of that is spotlighting the next generation of Australian talent.
“Last night was an amazing celebration of our thriving creative industries and the people who are already leading them into the future. Congratulations to all our nominees and to our nine inspiring winners.”
Sarah Stephens
Gonçalo Pinto da Costa, Head of Marketing at Swarovski, said: “We are proud to stand alongside ELLE Australia in celebrating the bold new voices shaping the future of fashion, beauty and culture.
“The Next Gen Awards are more than just an event – they are a platform that empowers rising talent to step into the spotlight and inspire the world with their creativity, vision and courage.
“Supporting this next generation of innovators reflects our commitment to championing fresh perspectives and investing in the cultural leaders of tomorrow.”
Carla Uriarte
The winners and nominees will be featured across ELLE Australia’s September issue (on sale September 8), and on the brand’s digital and social channels.
The event marks another move by ELLE Australia to invest in emerging talent and cultural storytelling, as the global brand celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Top image: Jessica Bailey, Gonçalo Pinto da Costa and Nicky Briger