Julijana Grbac – After studying Fashion Design at TAFE and working for a few companies as a hand sewer Julie started her label Grbac 6 years ago from her Mum’s basement where everything is still manufactured. Juli’s ultimate goal is to have a show in Paris fashion week and to be stocked internationally with boutiques worldwide. She describes herself as hardworking & outgoing but is always stressed out and can be rather bossy too. To Juli, fashion design is a life choice, not a career choice and she’s put everything on the line for it working 7 days a week. She is at the point in her business where she needs money to continue to move forward & Project Runway would help with that if she wins. She has shown at Brisbane Fashion week for the last 2 years and says the feeling she gets walking out with the models at the end is second to none.
When Project Runway launched its first season on Australian TV, the nation held its breath as Juli Grbac embraces femininity, simplicity and individuality. With an exquisite eye for pattern making, cutting and delicate sewing, Juli transforms her fabrics into delicate couture. Grbac's new-found national fame came after the down-to-earth Brisbane girl appeared on Foxtel's inaugural season of Project Runway Australia. Her glamourous and classic design ethos, use of beading and crystals and unmistakable flare for creativity caught the judges' attention.
When she took out the competition and won a place at this year's Melbourne Fashion Week, the industry took notice. And so did the A-List, with local and national identities - including model and socialite Erica Packer, Governor General Quentin Bryce and international celebrity Dannii Minogue - donning Grbac's designs.
Grbac might have become a household name overnight, but her achievements are the result of years of painstaking and unwavering commitment. After launching her self-titled label seven years ago, the challenges came fast and thick - but the notoriously competitive and cut-throat fashion industry was no match for Grbac's sheer determination. The gamble paid off, with numerous independent and up-market stores across the country now stocking Grbac's designs.
Since she was a child, Grbac has been sewing and designing clothes and fashion accessories. What began as a hobby led to study at the Gateway TAFE, before the ambitious youngster fled to chase the big time in London and enrolled in the prestigious design school St Martins. She has also worked with the likes of Easton Pearson, gaining valuable knowledge at the Queensland fashion house.
On the back on her success on Project Runway, Juli made her debut at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week in Sydney in 2009. While her pieces might change from season to season, her passion for creating beautiful, elegant and timeless garments remains the same.