The Australian fashion brand loved by ‘it girls’, ignored by the front row

A Sydney-based designer has the coolest brand at the Melbourne Fashion Festival but no one – apart from Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande – knows it.

On social media, front-row influencers have tagged colourful creations from Romance Was Born, Linda Jackson and Gary Bigeni, ignoring the lavishly embroidered tights, sparkling socks and dramatic opera gloves from High Heel Jungle by Kathryn Eisman.

As the former face of fashion for E! News, and an Emmy-nominated reporter and presenter, Eisman is not used to being ignored. She is, however, familiar with being underestimated.

“People always thought that my work in media, the parts that were on camera at least, was glamorous,” Eisman says. “They didn’t see me working until midnight, writing scripts or editing. That same ratio of 10 per cent glamour and 90 per cent sweat equity applies when you have your own fashion brand.”

Eisman’s transition from reporting on fashion to producing it began as a side hustle seven years ago in Los Angeles. Before she had the chance to hire a publicist or call in celebrity favours, stylists took notice of the colourful and quirky socks and tights she was wearing on screen.

“When I first launched, I got an email late at night saying that the Kardashians wanted some tights for the opening credits of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and they needed them at Van Nuys airport immediately,” Eisman says. “I raced to the airport in the middle of night, not quite believing what was happening.”

Where the Kardashians go, Hollywood follows, with stylists for Bieber, Grande, Lady Gaga, Tate McRae and Chappell Roan sourcing her work for photo shoots and red carpet appearances.

“To have these incredible trailblazers and their stylists embrace you still shocks me,” Eisman says.

Eisman has put down the microphone and returned home to Sydney to make High Heel Jungle her main focus. The brand is now stocked by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s in the US and The Iconic in Australia.

“We’re doing about 70 per cent month-on-month growth with our orders for the past two quarters in the US. The US is 70 per cent of our market and Australia is second.”

Eisman remains the sole owner of the business, employs nine full-time staff and is trying to manage the rapid growth of the brand.

“We have around 600 units, I was never good at maths, but somehow I stay on top of this.” Prices range from $35 for basic socks to $195 for leather opera gloves.

Being underestimated by the MFF front row barely warrants the shrug of a padded shoulder, but Eisman is hopeful for some recognition when her work appears at the Grand Showcase on Friday night, alongside Sonia Cappellazzo’s gowns.

“I’ve always championed Australian brands in the US,” she says. It’s time for payback.

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