Wayne Cooper

Wayne Cooper is a British-born fashion designer based in Australia.

Cooper grew up in London's East End where he attended university and claims to have completed a law degree.

Always interested in fashion, he moved to Australia in 1985 and trained in fashion design at East Sydney Technical College while working at the Sydney clothing store, Masons.

Cooper was part of a successful fashion partnership in Sydney for 7 years, before launching his own label 'BRAVE'. Stylist and former Masons co worker, Jean Ferraud, joined Wayne as Creative Director soon after the launch of BRAVE. Cooper and Ferraud travel overseas annually to Paris, New York and London to select exclusive fabrics from the finest mills and fabric fairs, in conjunction with selling the range.

In 1996 the signature line 'WAYNE COOPER' was added to the 'BRAVE' label, and in 2002 the lot was replaced by the 'WAYNE' label. He has shown for the past 10 years at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, and his shows have traditionally featured well known international models, including Amber Valletta, Linda Evangelista, Alek Wek, Sarah O'Hare, Eva Herzigova and Carmen Cass. He regularly shows in Japan, France, the UK and the US.

Cooper was a guest on cycle three of Australia's Next Top Model and is reportedly in talks to co-judge on the overhauled primetime commercial version to air on Channel Nine later in 2008; this will be the fifth season of the show.

Cooper has seven boutiques located throughout Australia. His label is also available in selected department stores in Australia and international department stores and boutiques.

On 20 June 2008 Cooper was charged by police with assaulting his wife, Sarah Marsh. On 31 October 2008 Cooper pleaded guilty to common assault and was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond after charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intimidation were dropped. Cooper assaulted his wife days after she had cancer surgery.

Cooper has also been criticised by the NSW Cancer Council due to his willingness to work with tobacco companies.