“Thanks to my parents, I've always known that we must work hard to get to where we want to be !"

Marija SESAR

Julijana Grbac is a down to earth, honest, family oriented, driven woman who has rocked the Australian fashion industry with her exquisite designs and meticulous attention to detail. Just like most of us 'New Gen' readers, Juli's parents migrated to Australia with not much more than an uncompromising work ethic, honesty and strength of character that led them to prosper in this great land of opportunity.

"Thanks to my parents, I've always known that we have to work to get to where we want to be," said Grbac.

Grbac's determination was impressive throughout the course of the reality show on the Australian pay-television station Foxtel and perhaps led to sabotage by a fellow contestant.

"When Mark got me the polyester fabric, at the time I didn't think it was sabotage because I personally could never do that to someone, it's not going to make you win and it's not being true to yourself.

''I really believe you have to be true and honest to yourself, it's just the way we were brought up. But when I watched it again with my sister that's when I thought “oh maybe he did sabotage me!" said Grbac with a laugh, before adding, "but we were fine".

After being placed in the bottom two twice, Juli was in the throws of resignation... then came Kelly Rowland, of Destiny's Child fame. "I'm embarrassed by how giddy and excited I was to meet her. I ran and basically tackled her," lauged Grbac.

Then came THAT dress. A sexy silk minidress based on circular pieces of material guaranteed to shimmy on the bootilicious babe in concert.

''After winning the challenge to dress Kelly Rowland, I was like, right, if I don't win I don't care, I'm just happy to have dressed her!"

But win she did, with an amazing final collection that highlighted Grbac's amazing talent.

"We watched the final with the media but I must say I was a little disappointed I couldn't be with my family and friends over at the Cro club in Brisbane (Rocklea United Soccer Club) who had gathered there to watch the finale. The support has been overwhelming and I have had so many Croats emailing and facebooking me saying 'you make us proud'. It's really cool."

Amidst the whirlwind of media appearances, travelling and fame is a marriage!

Having had to postpone her lavish wedding to go onto the show Juli and new husband Paul went to the register office and got married.

"Being married is wonderful and winning the show, seriously it feels like all of my dreams have come true."

Grbac's next challenge is showcasing her collection for her own label, Grbac, at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week in March next year.

In the meantime, visit www.grbac.com to view current collection and for stockist information.