Source: Mania Mania

The weather outside is a frightening -7° but on the other side of the hemisphere, Sydneyites are basking in a 33° climate! It’s all surf, sand, sun, and some enviably cool fashion cred for the land down under as Australians are making waves on the style scene. Move over NY and London because the Outbacks are here to stay. With a gang of bronzed belles of the beach leading the way, we’re counting down ten reasons why Australia’s fashion scene is white hot.

1) Because they’ve Got an Army of It-Models

Source: Haper’s Bazaar/ Harper’s Bazaar Espana/ I-d Magazine

Everyone knows that the Brit’s have got an impressive brigade of long-legged beauties, but this season, all eyes were on the fresh faces coming at us from the land of under. With the model-turned beauty entrepreneur Miranda Kerr as their chief, and Elle ‘The Body’ McPherson as her second in command, an army of Australian covergirls is storming the international scene. Among these sultry soldiers are our tattoo-muse Bambi Northwood-Blyth and Gemma Ward (our girl-crush in her Teen Vogue/ silver Chucks days).

2) Because we love TOMEboys

Source: TOME

It’s inevitable that post-NYFW, everybody will want to be a TOMEboy. No not the Shiloh Jolie-Pitt kind (though that’d be fun too), we’re talking TOME as in the women’s wear twosome from AUS who are KILLING it with their utilitarian designs. Founder’s Ryan Lobo and Ramon Martin have earned themselves a gang of loyal followers with their distinct minimalist mantra for workwear. Lucky for us, the brand’s moved it’s headquarters to the Big Apple so they’re that much closer for your shopping connivence.

BONUS POINTS for using Andrej Pejic and fellow aussi Rachel Rutt in their ad campaign.

3) Because Leif Podhajsky + Abbey Lee = the Coolest Collab. Ever.

Source: W Magazine

Psychedelic visionary and the mastermind behind Tame Impala’s museum-worthy album art, Leif Podhaksky is already a longtime FORA fave. This season, Podhajsky’s giving us yet another reason to put him at the top of our much-love lists. The artist has teamed up with fellow southern-hemispherer Abbey Lee to promote an exclusive collection of silk scarves with his iconic motifs.

4) Because ManiaMania + Abbey Lee = …Also the Coolest Collab. Ever.

We’ve already shopped the brand’s delectable ear bling, but how about the vintage vibes from ManiaMania’s promo vid starring a kimono-clad Abbey Lee? Crochet vests and a healthy does of fringe dance to the poignant strums of a 70s guitar riff, entrancing our hearts and our credit cards.

5) Because We’re Crazy for Christine Centenera

Source: Grazia

A frequent muse to Garance Dore and Scott Schuman, Christine Centenera has been putting AU on the streestyle map! As the reigning senior fashion editor at Vogue Australia, Centenera reps her homeland suited in head-to-toe Aussi garb. From New York to Paris this girl from down under is serving us up a serious case of outfit envy.

6) Because Of Our Other Love, Another Love.com

One can never have too many online stores to feed our shoe addictions. Our latest obsession of the e-commerce world is AnotherLove.com.au, a bi-hemisphere online vendor by an Aussi and a Brit. Rochelle, the resident Aussie, is bringing her homegrown designers to the international market. Mixed with a carefully curated collection of global designers, the site stocks your most-wanteds from Kenzo, Carven and Elizabeth & James.

7) Because their Wrangler…

…versus our Wrangler…

8) Because Ksubi Jeans is KILLING IT with their A/W Look book

Source: Ksubi Lookbook A/W ’13

It’s all Baroque opulence in the Ksubi Jeans A/W ’13 lookbook, as black and gold pairings get a ~luxe~ update. Not just a denim brand, Ksubi delivers up unisex garb for the high-fashion runways. Gold leaf adorns covetable twill shorts and their leather snapbacks take the cake for our must-have fall accessory.

9) Because They Get Summer When We Get Winter

Source: Vogue.au

Aka we get to ogle over their rising hemlines and frilly summer duds while we’re knee deep in parkas.

10) Because Tame Impala on the Runway

The psychedelic rockstars from Perth stole the spotlight at the NYC tents S/S ’12 when their hit single “Elephant” was heard at Helmut Lang, Diane von Furstenberg , and DKNY!