All Entries in the "Designer Profile" Category
Designer Profile: Painted Moon
I’m so excited for summer so I can my groove on in loose tops, long skirts and flowers in my hair. I love this new collection called Painted Moon it’s the softer hippie luxe side of General Pants. Love.
How to do Hippie Luxe for Summer
Sydney based label Cocolatte shows you how. These gorgeous whimsical images are from the labels Spring/Summer 11/12 campaign. Who else is uber inspired to ride horses, play in long grass and dress in only suede, crochet and lace? The best thing is the label is super reasonably priced. Usually this just means I over shop. Argh hurry up summer!
Designer Profile: Wrangler loves Summer
Ahh summer collections are dropping, there is a light at the end of the dark, wet & dreary tunnel! First off the ranks is denim fav Wrangler, a good summer warm up – just trade in your skinny leg jeans for some frayed shorts. Kane Skennar photographed the lookbook for the season which is full of delicate lace, cropped denim, 70′s blues, red and a whole lot of summer loving. I’m not sure who the model is but she completely encapsulates what I want summer to look like for me. Would it be weird to wish for sun kissed freckles come November? Anyway just love the collection like I do!
Designer Profile: Arabella Ramsay
The Style Glossy: Dressing Room
Arabella Ramsay: Style Inspiration
By Felicity Loughrey for The Style Glossy
“It’s been a big year,” says Melbourne-based fashion designer Arabella Ramsay. “I got married on New Year’s Eve out at the farm [her parent’s homestead near Mount Macedon in Kyneton, Victoria]. Then, we went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. I’m now having a baby. It’s just been one thing after the next.”
And then there’s her eponymous fashion line. Since launching in 2003, Ramsay has garnered a cult following for her Australian sensibility. Each season, Ramsay creates an exclusive seasonal print. This summer’s Alice collection features feral animal illustrations (think naive sketches of sparrows, mice and cane toads) by her artist dad, Dougal Ramsay, printed on scoop-neck T-shirts and form-fitting dresses, as well as three-quarter-length skirts and mini dresses emblazoned with vibrant Kangaroo Paw prints.
The Alice collection was prompted by a trip to the Kimberley region in Western Australia. “We went up there for three weeks. I get inspired by the places I go to, especially in Australia. It blows you away up there — the colours and everything. You don’t see anyone for days, and you’re on a boat and all you see are these beautiful rocks.”
Next summer’s collection, called Sunnyland (in stores at the end of July), was sparked by her honeymoon to Hawaii and Palm Springs, Calif. She promises a look inspired by “the desert, burnt orange, sandy colours and minimalism.”
She is also set to open a new Melbourne boutique on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, which completes a trio of stores in High Street, Armadale and Flinders Lane in the city. “I would like to open a store overseas,” Ramsay has previously said. “I’d love to do something in Paris. I always thought it would be good to do an Australian thing over there.” (Ramsay lived in Paris for two years in her 20s. Her stores, with their wooden floors and black-lacquered lamps, have a defined French accent.)
In addition to selling her own line in her Melbourne boutiques, Ramsay also sources vintage fashion and fabrics from all over country Victoria and beyond. Once a year, she travels to the What Goes Around Comes Around warehouse in the wilds of New Jersey, USA, to specially select items. “I spend the day rummaging,” she says. On her last trip, she stockpiled frayed American quilts to cut up and make into new pieces.
Ramsay recently scored a U.S. agent, and her designs are now sold in two New York shopfronts, two Los Angeles stores and three U.S.-based online outlets.
As for the girl who wears Arabella Ramsay, the designer imagines her customer on both sides of the Pacific as someone equally at-home in the city or the country. “I like girls who are a bit dorky, who are willing to take a risk,” she told Frankie magazine. “I love the idea of people wearing this to festivals and taking the clothing into other areas. Wear them with your gumboots!”
Photo: Getty Images
Felicity Loughrey is the managing editor of
The Style Glossy. She writes for Vogue Australia, Vogue Living
and GQ, among others.
Designer Profile: Camilla
Australia’s kaftan queen Camilla is back on the fashion map with a killer Autumn/Winter 2011 collection. The new direction for the collection keeps true to the brands iconic style but introduces new styles, cuts and prints.
The collection was brought to life by inspiration taken from the Woodstock music festival. For the first time Camilla introduces a traditional winter colour palette and winter fabrics. Think velvet, chunky knits, cashmere and cottons.
“It’s all about layering chunky knitted jumpers with billowing dresses, leather leggings and wedges for a gypsy, earthy and hippie looks that offer super comfort and individuality”, says Camilla.
We love the oversized knits, the leather leggings and the turbans! We’ll be rugging up with some serious style. Check it out at www.camilla.com.au
Getting ready for RAFW: Little Joe
RAFW is just around the corner and we are getting a little bit excited overhear at AAW headquarters. Time to bring out the velvet jackets, the oversized bows and the seriously hot handbags – and we’re not just talking about the crowd!
I am starting to plan my wardrobe for RAFW, and have been looking to Australian designer who will be showing at RAFW for inspiration.
I am currently loving Little Joe by Gail Elliot’s Winter Touch 2011 collection, especially the high in demand Rock Water deep purple velvet jacket.
“This is one of my favourite jackets in the collection – the stretch velvet is luxurious, chic and beautifully tailored and I love the sexy shade of deep purple which looks great with everything from black leather pants to flowing long skirts with boots” says Gail Elliot.
Check out the stunning imagery below from the collection.
Little Joe Woman are excited to be showing their much anticipated Love In Exile Spring/Summer 2011 collection this year at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week.
Designer Profile: E L K E
The unprecedented beauty of the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection from E L K E is something of visual poetry. Jewellery designer Elke Kramer has collaborated with esteemed industry artists, photographer Christopher Morris and stylist Katrina Sheiles to create a stunning series of images to showcase her Autumn/Winter 2011 collection. The collection is a celebration of rich colour and was inspired by artist Rothko and film producer Almodovar.
The collection entitled ‘Colour of Wind’ will be available in selected boutiques and online from now. Be sure to check it out.
RAFW: Ae’lkemi Interview
I just want to stop and say how grateful I am to have had the chance to get an insight into these amazing designers minds and design plans. This week we caught up with Alvin from Ae’lkemi to talk to him about his home town of WA, showing in Milan and hanging out in the USA
So many talents fashion designers come out of WA, is there something in the water?
Haha …its fantastic to see many ‘West Aussies’ make it, we all have an individual voice and the industry is very supportive of new talent and gives them the confidence to do what they do best.
Why did you choose fashion design over any other career path?
To be honest I missed out on doing Marine Biology at university and deicided to do something completely different and submitted my portfolio to the ‘West Australia School of Art & Design’ and got accepted in the top 5% and to my parents horror decide to follow fashion and never looked back since.
What is the philosophy of your label?
The philosophy has always been about great cuts and playing with classic shapes but mixing it up with a modern twist.
You were a part of G’day USA, what was the program about?
It was a great opportunity to be introduced into the US market and taking part in a runway show and showroom appointments with the most influential industry personalities and representatives of the New York fashion industry, including buyers from Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Barneys New York, Barneys Co-op, Caravan, Searle and Bergdorf Goodman, among the numerous media meetings with fashion editors of Nylon Magazine, Instyle, Elle, Harpers Bazaar and Vanity Fair.
You’ve shown at Milan Fashion Week, how does that compare to showing on home soil?
Alvin hard at work
Its funny, no matter where you show the same things can always go wrong, be in New York or Perth. It makes the world feel a little smaller. RAFW will be my first solo on home soil and I am very excited and looking forward to the ride.
Do you plan to continue to work and live in WA?
I love travelling and visiting new places but WA is home. It’s where I feel most creative. I have an amazing team that I work with and that’s worth staying in Perth.
Finally, if you could have any international model walk for Ae’lkemi who would it be?
Carmen Kass
RAFW: Gail Sorronda Interview
Having spent a while away from Australia we are so excited to see what inspriration Gail Sorronda has brought home from her travels abroad. Gail Sorronda will be showing at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week during the 3-7 May 2010. Stay tuned.
Gail Sorronda A/W 10You’ve recently been living in Paris, how do you feel coming back to Australia for RAFW?
I’ve been back for a few months and designed my Spring/Summer collection here. It’s great to back with friends and family and I’m looking forward to showing my collection at RAFW.
Your black and white collections have become somewhat of a Gail Sorronda trademark, what drew you to using black and white?
I’ve always used black and white for its emphasis on silhouette, form and structure. I enjoy the clarity of the design process and not hiding behind pattern and colour.
We love your blog and follow your facebook, what makes you passionate about online media?
My partner primarily looks after the social media. I love how it documents a period in time and can help create a feeling. We try and arouse curiosity whilst maintaining the mystic of the label rather than using it as a promotional tool.
We know Susie Bubble is a fan of Gail Sorronda, will she be attending your RAFW show?
Yes we’ve been in contact with Susie. She’s confirmed her attendance and will be wearing Gail Sorronda to the show.
What was your inspiration for your Spring/Summer 2011 collection?
Gail Sorronda A/W 10
Without giving anything away I was inspired by distant voices, drones and the all-seeing eye.
Have you named your Spring/Summer 2011 collection?
Yes but you will have to wait until the show sorry!
What fabrics and patterns can we expect to see?
Silks, cotton, transparency and some handwork.
What makes you passionate about the Australia fashion industry?
I like how Australian fashion celebrates its own local industry.
What’s your favourite season to design for?
Spring/Summer but it’s becoming more Autumn/Winter
If you could choose any model to open your RAFW Spring/Summer 10/11 show whom would you choose?
Nanou Vandecruys from Silent.
Finally, are you an early riser or night owl?
Night owl. I don’t function before midday.
RAFW: Ginger & Smart Interview
Ginger & Smart is an Australian luxury label who have gone from strength to strength every year of operation. The sister duo Alexandra and Genevieve talk to us about their upcoming show at RAFW. We hope to be reporting live from the show for you in a few short weeks.
In just a few short years Ginger & Smart has become a ‘must see’ show for RAFW. Can you tell us about your first show? Is it what you expected?
The first show for RAFW was one our favourites. We made an enormous string art installation for the runway and the music was by an amazing Japanese electronic composer. We still listen to the music from that show and it makes our hearts beat faster. Our first show also opened the door to retailers like David Jones and Browns Focus UK which was amazing. You never know what to expect from doing a show. Every show pushes us further as designers and cements in our minds and everyone else just who we are. It’s very important to us to always stay true to ourselves and our brand values - for us this is the key to a successful show.
What makes you passionate about the Australian fashion industry?
Australians are incredibly loyal to Australian designers. And the industry is so diverse. We love that we can have our own fresh design perspective and customers respond so well. It’s very encouraging and helps keep the passion alive.
Where have you drawn inspiration from for this years Spring/Summer collection?
The collection is called The Transcendent which is the fourth state of consciousness that lies beyond waking, dreaming and sleeping. It is inspired by this blissful moment of wakefulness and of future beauty.
Designers Alexandra and Genevieve Smart We loved the bold colorful prints inspired by kites last Spring/Summer can we expect prints again this year?
The prints we design are mostly digital and are designed to illustrate a higher state of euphoria and energy through diffused angles and blurred perspective. The images you see when you close your eyes.
Your handcrafted accessories are a well-known part of the Ginger & Smart label will these be styled into the show?
We always develop the accessory line to work with the collection so the colours are modern neutrals in effortless shapes. Our accessories include shoes, bags, belts, and also small leather goods like wallets and diaries. We have also developed a new candle fragrance for the season.
RAFW is about a month away. What will you be doing in the next month to prepare?
The last month is about all the elements coming together. Styling, editing and finalising show pieces as well as working very closely on music, lighting and hair & beauty.
Internationally where would you love to show Ginger & Smart?
Paris or London. We have been selling to both these cities for a few years now and have some loyal customers so it makes sense to show there next.
What your personal tip for surviving RAFW in style?
Good shoes, lots of water and a great holiday planned afterwards.
What’s in your fashion week suitcase?
Comfort clothing mostly in black white and grey marle! It’s busy backstage and you need to be able to move. And a great heel for after the show.
RAFW: Nicky Zimmermann Interview
Spring/Summer 09/10
The designing duo Nicky & Simone will be showing their label Zimmermann for the 13th year in a row in 2010! What an achievement! Zimmermann is an Australian based label with a strong focus on luxury swimwear. It’s a label that has become a household name for dresses to dance the night away as well as swimwear. We had the privilege of catching up with Nicky Zimmermann to get the goss on their upcoming show at RAFW in just
The label has gone from the Paddington markets to becoming a household name for Australian design. Did you ever anticipate the journey you’ve had?
Of course not, but we have always had some big goals and wanted to make this label our life so we always hoped that it would be a great ride!
The news just landed that your opening another concept store in Soho, New York. How did you decide on Soho?
We have been searching for the perfect store location in New York for a while now and have looked at lots of different downtown options. But the site we have in Soho was just beautiful and felt right.
Are you planning to launch any other concept stores soon?
Yes. In Australia, we are opening a flagship in the Sydney CBD this year and in the US, we have a few other ideas that are in the pipeline.
Nicky and Simone ZimmermannZimmermann clothing is always perfect for the Australian climate, is this something you take into consideration when designing?
It has some influence over what we design but mostly we are just working to create something new and beautiful.
Where did you draw inspiration from for your Spring/Summer 10/11 collection?
The idea started with a simple progression of tonal colour, starting at black and white. We wanted the collection to be pure, fresh and ordered. Clean colour, uncomplicated prints but all together cohesive and beautiful. As the collection evolved we started to work with lines, geometric shapes and melded these with naturally beautiful elements to create something that we love and want to wear.
What fabrics and prints can we expect to see for Spring/Summer 10/11?
Linear prints, spirographs, perspective lines and vanishing points have been combined with mono-toned florals on white bases to create things which are all at one. Our prints feature a gradation of shapes and lines that grow as they run down the body. Fabrics were chosen for weight with an emphasis on the capacity of each to carry our new silhouettes, they include triple weight silk crepe, failles, waffle suiting.
How do you prepare yourself for the crazy week of RAFW?
We make sure we are organised early and work hard so we are ready.
Zimmermann has been showing at RAFW since 1996, that’s quiet an achievement! What’s your favourite memory from 13 years of shows?
After the last look has come out of any show we have an overwhelming sense of relief after months of work.
Who has been your favourite model to walk for Zimmermann at RAFW?
There have been some great girls - Sarah O’Hare, Emma Balfour, Catherine McNeill, Nicole Trunfio, Lilly Cole. They’re all great.
When traveling what are a few staple suitcase items?
A giant cashmere wrap and a well edited cosmetic bag.
Which do you prefer the beach or a swimming pool?
Beach
Designer Profile: QSW
Last Tuesday ( I know late reporting right) I had the honour to be invited to check out the new range coming out for Quiksilver women. The range is under the Quicksilver brand but has a totally different direction to their other ‘surf store’ style lines. QSW collection is reasonably priced creative genius. It’s a well crafted selection of designs in quality fabrics and with atheistically pleasing prints. Not too much mention comfortable, fashionable and perfect for our Australian climate.
The shoot for QSW high summer campaign was held at Komune Hotel, which only opened its doors 3 days before the shoot. The model Courtney (from Viviens) was a fresh beautiful new face and fit the collection perfectly. We watched her slip into each look and work the camera and the garments with ease.
Unfortunately it was raining on the day of the shoot (we’ve had terrible weather for the past 2 weeks) but the photos still turned out amazing. FTV (Fashion TV) was there to capture all the behind the scenes action. It was a glamorous and easy shoot, something I’m defiantly not used to, all the shoots I’ve worked seemed so much more stressful (maybe the sparkling helped 
).
The best part about the collection was how wearable it was. It’s an unfortunate fact when alot of well established brands try to go against their own grain and get creative they can go overboard and mass produce unwearable art. QSW has created the perfect collection for the in fashion woman, who will probably be surprised she is wearing Quiksilver! Make sure you check it out in the following Queensland stockists (if you a local in my area)
City Beach, Le Deux (Burleigh), Country Style (Yamba), Gold Coast Surfer
