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Wayne CooperBritish-born Australian fashion designer
Country:
 Australia |
Content:
- Biography of Wayne Cooper
- Early Life and Education
- Establishing 'BRAVE'
- Evolution of the Brand
- Television Appearance and Business Ventures
- Controversies and Criticisms
Biography of Wayne Cooper
Wayne Cooper is a renowned Australian fashion designer of British origin. Known for his energetic and daring collections with romantic undertones, he perfectly embodies the essence of his brand, 'BRAVE'. His talent has garnered him a loyal following, with fans including Talitha Getty, Faye Dunaway, Charlotte Rampling, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Early Life and Education
Cooper was raised in London's East End, where he attended university and even became a lawyer, earning a degree in law. Despite his legal pursuits, he had a deep interest in fashion. In 1985, he moved to Australia and studied fashion design at the East Sydney Technical College while working at the prestigious Sydney clothing store, 'Masons'.
Establishing 'BRAVE'
After seven years as part of a successful fashion partnership in Sydney, Cooper decided to launch his own label, 'BRAVE'. Shortly after its inception, stylist and former 'Masons' colleague Jean Ferraud joined Cooper as the creative director. They regularly traveled to Paris, New York, and London, selecting exclusive fabrics from top manufacturers at specialized trade shows, expanding their market reach.
Evolution of the Brand
In 1996, the 'BRAVE' label expanded to include the 'WAYNE COOPER' line, which was later replaced by the 'WAYNE' label in 2002. Over the past decade, Wayne Cooper has showcased his collections at the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, where renowned international models such as Amber Valletta, Linda Evangelista, Alek Wek, Sarah Murdoch, Eva Herzigova, and Carmen Cass have graced his runway shows. His designs have also been regularly featured in fashion events in Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Television Appearance and Business Ventures
Cooper was a guest on the third season of the reality show 'Australia's Next Top Model'. As a successful fashion designer, he owns a chain of stores located across Australia. Additionally, his collections are sold in major Australian and international department stores and boutiques.
Controversies and Criticisms
On June 20, 2008, Cooper was arrested by the police on charges of assaulting his wife, Sarah Marsh. He pleaded guilty to assault without aggravating circumstances on October 31, 2008, and was sentenced to two years in prison. It is worth noting that Cooper attacked his wife shortly after she underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. He also faced criticism from the charity organization 'NSW Cancer Council' for his willingness to work with tobacco companies.
