Born and raised on mixed farming and grazing properties in the Tottenham district in central NSW, Jonathan began his career as a wool classer and later accepted a place at the Dress Design Studio at East Sydney Technical College. After completing his studies, Jonathan moved to New York where he undertook a further course at the world renowned Parson's College of Art Design, followed by a one year work experience with Yves Saint Laurent in N.Y.

Upon returning to Sydney, Jonathan opened his own business - Jonathan Ward Couture and later the Jonathan Ward Salon collection and designed tailor-made garments for Nicole Kidman, Antonia Kidman, Elle McPherson and Kylie Minogue and many others. Turning his hand to corporate business, a number of companies commissioned Jonathan for their uniform designs, including Orient Express, and a plethora of private girl's schools.

Now regarded as one of Australia's leading designers, Jonathan joined Australian icon brand, R.M.Williams, as the Executive Designer in November 2001. With retail stores all over Australia, in London, New York and Auckland and concepts throughout the world, R.M.Williams provides the perfect forum for Jonathan's designs to be presented to a global environment.

With twenty years experience designing on both a national and international scale, Jonathan brings extensive knowledge to the brand with the combination of his rural origins in the Australian bush and his creative flair for fashion design. Jonathan reflects that his early rural upbringing has influenced his view of classic design with frequent use of natural fibres such as wool, linen, silk and cotton.

He even has his own 'Barbie', one of only six Australian designers asked to design for Barbie's 40th Birthday Celebration in Australia.  

A familiar face on the social page, Jonathan lends his talents to support a number of charities, including the Royal Flying Doctor, and the Pink Ribbon Appeal for Breast Cancer Research. He also gives his support as a guest judge for rural and national events. 

For more information visit           www. rmwilliams.com.au

                            website design - Jan Sayer