Running from one runway show to the next in four-inch stilettos can be, well, draining, but the Designer Award presented a very welcome interlude between catwalk presentations.

With the award presented by Tiffany & Co. and supported by Vogue Australia, it was quickly evident this would be a "no expenses spared" event, and the specially prepared Skyy vodka lychee cocktails didn't disappoint.

Neither did the finalists, who were chosen from a large and talented field, and judged on more than just their creative merits. Fashion innovation was taken into account, as was the designer's attention to detail and whether the label would contribute to the growth of Australian fashion. By 'contribute', we mean via plenty of sales and attention, which were two aspects clearly noticed amongst the final six.

Alpha 60 kicked off proceedings with their metallic take on ladylike chic. Geometric prints produced a subtle sheen on silk blouses, satin gloves were transformed into unique scarves and belts and silver threads dazzled in classic trench coats.

Dhini presented her own unique version of trenches; cropped, multi-layered jackets complete with regulation epaulettes. They were paired with complex skirts, which employed both panelled tailoring and soft draping at times. Despite the description, both jackets and skirts were highly wearable.

Gail Sorronda's palette ensured the collection was wearable you can't go wrong with classic black and white. Cut from simple fabrics such as crisp cotton and silk taffeta, the cute party dresses were definite teenage desirables, especially with their short, flirty hemlines and quirky collared necklines.

What Romance Was Born lacked in wearability, it certainly made up for in attention-seeking. The collection could be described as a mish-mash of eclectic psychodelia, with a futuristic hint thrown in for good measure. Doesn't make sense- Neither did the range, which included lame, velvet, lace, parasilk, PVC and googly eyes. It sounds like a craft fair gone wrong, and quite frankly it looked that way, too.

LIFEwithBIRD's range was like Romance Was Born's collection without the ADHD. While there were a few crazed prints such as the multicoloured test screen pattern they were presented in sensible, simple shapes including a high-waisted mini, a cute pinafore and a basic men's hoodie.

But Yeojin Bae earned maximum points for wearability with her beautiful, no-fuss collection of chic, feminine co-ordinates. Amongst the flowing silk silhouettes was a sexy pencil dress, cosy cashmere-blend coat and the stand-out ensemble: a sapphire blue capelet worn over a full-skirted frock in the same colour and fabric.

With such a sophisticated, saleable collection, it was with no surprise Yeojin Bae was announced as the winner, taking home a $10,000 cheque and a trophy crafted by Tiffany's. She's so onto it, said Vogue editor Kirstie Clements of Bae's knack for creating innovative designs with commercial appeal.  After all, isn't that what fashion is all about-