Erik Yvon
(Est. 2017, Melbourne)

Erik Yvon is an emerging fashion designer whose bold work aims to redefine conventions of femininity and masculinity. Ethically and sustainably made in Melbourne, Yvon’s trans-seasonal and gender-fluid pieces use dynamic combinations of colours, prints, shapes and textures. The designer draws inspiration from art, his everyday surroundings, his Mauritian origins and his experiences as a queer person of colour.

Yvon’s dress, Aura orchid doudou, 2022, demonstrates his idiosyncratic and exuberant approach to fashion. Playing with contrasts between coverage and visibility, the mid-length, high-necked dress features one long sleeve and one cut away to expose the arm. Created with a custom-printed crushed velvet, the design utilises drape and adjustable ruching to hug the wearer’s body, with a magenta bustier accenting the chest. The striking print was made in collaboration with digital artist Chris Golden, who is renowned for his psychedelic use of colour and form.

Yvon has also created for Melbourne Now an oversized hand-knitted jumper and printed skirt. These garments are embellished with joyous and colourful artworks based on the design for Yvon’s installation Mo libre, which appeared on the Metro Tunnel hoarding at City Square and on the Federation Square screen as part of Melbourne Fashion Week in 2022. The artwork for the hoarding was developed in collaboration with local creatives from the LGBTQIA+ community as a celebration of queer identity and culture. Committed to sustainable manufacturing, Yvon produces his knitwear in partnership with Knit One Change, an Indian initiative that upskills local citizens to create hand-knit pieces.

After completing a Bachelor of Fashion Design at RMIT University in 2014, Yvon trained with iconic Australian brands Romance Was Born and Neo Dia. Since launching his own label in 2017, his collections have appeared in countless editorials and runways, recently opening the Next Gen Runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (2021). Yvon has won Streetwear and Corporate prizes at the Australasian Young Designer Wool Awards and has taught fashion design at RMIT University and the Social Studio.