Up From Down Under

They may have been on the other side of the planet from their native land, but the Aussies gathered at the Crosby Street Hotel last night for the Australians in New York Fashion Foundation's summer party couldn't have looked more at ease. 'We grew up with American TV, American accents, American ways. When we come to America, it isn't a culture shock,' offered Melissa George. Still, actors and models have been more successful than designers at rising into the international spotlight from down under, which is why Julie Anne Quay and Calvin Klein's Malcolm Carfrae formed AINYFF in the first place. Each year, the organization arranges for talented Aussie fashion prospects to come further their careers in the Big Apple.

Last year's first-prize winner, Georgia Lazzaro, is nearing the end of her internship at Narciso Rodriguez and had dressed George for the evening in a backless jumpsuit of her own design. 'Australia has a very nurturing industry. I'm not saying it's easier to establish yourself there, but it is kind of a case of big fish in a little sea,' explained the 25-year-old designer. Francisco Costa, just back from vacation on the Greek island of Kea, was palming a strip of raffle tickets. Fashion, he admitted, isn't necessarily something he associates with Australia. 'I think kangaroos!' But that may soon change: Lazzaro moves over to Calvin Klein after fashion week. 'She has a great portfolio,' Costa said. 'I can't wait.'

—Darrell Hartman