An inspirational journey

When Victoria Cananzi entered the Emerging Designer Award at Flemington last year, she could not have imagined that she would not only end up in the pages of Vogue Australia and featured on their social media channels, but also in the offices of Vogue in Tokyo, experiencing one of the world’s great fashion capitals up close.

At the centre of it all was the design that captured the judges’ attention: a silk yoryu and sheer organza backless dress with a structured boned bodice. Elegant, polished, and original, it earned her the $48,000 prize package and set her on a remarkable journey.

“Seeing fashion beyond my homeland was the greatest privilege as a designer,” Cananzi said. “It was a moment of stillness, where I was completely immersed in unfamiliar energy and surrounded by creative minds that didn’t necessarily think alike – but it was in that very space where I felt my creativity reignited.”

For a Whitehouse Institute of Design graduate still in the early chapters of her career, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. And Tokyo certainly did not disappoint. In Harajuku and Shibuya, Cananzi wandered the backstreets hunting for rare vintage treasures, soaking up the city’s playful and eccentric street culture. In areas like Ginza, she entered the luxurious world of designer stores. Each moment, she says, brought her closer to understanding how design can speak to both individuality and universality.

The highlight, however, came in the offices of Vogue Japan. “The team shared stories of their creative process, their deep passion for their roles, and the incredible figures they’ve crossed paths with – names like Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, and John Galliano,” she said. “To stand in the same space that has welcomed such icons was both surreal and greatly inspiring.”

For a young designer, moments like these provided inspiration for her future. “It was certainly a ‘pinch me’ moment,” she said. “I am forever grateful to have stepped into such an evolving creative space in one of the world’s most progressive countries. It’s an experience I’ll carry through each step of my journey beyond this unforgettable immersion.” 

Cananzi now works as a bridal stylist and does freelance design and styling projects. She has also entered an exciting new chapter as a design assistant and product manufacturer for some of the country’s most established fashion brands. She credits the platform of the Emerging Designer Award for helping her reach this point. “Winning opened doors and set me on the path I’m meant to be on.”

When asked what advice she would share with others starting out, Cananzi is clear: back yourself. “Listen to mentors, embrace mistakes, but trust your own designer voice. Allow others to guide you, but always steer your own journey.”

For those who saw her win last year, it is clear that her journey is already well underway. The Melbourne Cup Carnival gave her a stage, and Japan gave her new inspiration.