APOM

http://www.apom.net.au/

APOM is the collaboration between Kajsa Kvernmo and Kate Brook, a partnership bound by a mutual affinity for handcrafted techniques, narrative and the natural world.
The two met at university started designing together in their final year, both undertaking a second degree, with a dream to pursue, years of interning and work experience behind them, a vision unlocked and empowered by our chance encounter

Kajsa is Sami indigenous Norwegian, which is a group of people who have a rich culture, their own language, and deeply engrained tradition. The Sami have a deep connection with nature, they live by the law of nature and learn from an early age to respect and cherish it.
 Kate grew up with polish heritage and spending time on her grandparent’s farm in the Adelaide hills. As a child, on adventures with siblings she would dream up dazzling stories assisted by her, grandfathers involvement in horse racing and a her grandmothers closet full of race-wear treasures.

Prints are an integral part of the APOM brand. They work with a local artist each season to design a print that is unique to their own label. Collaborating with local artists to turn their creations into unique prints and an inherent narrative behind each collection, they strive to bridge a connection between the wearer and the creator of each APOM garment. Kajsa and Kate pride themselves on making beautiful wearable clothing that is not too delicate to be lived in. From the high quality fabrics to the carefully designed cuts and details, the collection resonates with those seeking both quality and beautiful design

What is your label about? 

APOM is a label dedicated to easy wearable day to day clothing.  Beautiful quality flattering silhouettes.

What’s a usual day in the office? 
We religiously sit down every morning with a cup of coffee and de brief. Plan the day, talk about what’s happening with the label and have a giggle. Besides the coffee everyday is different from the next depending what stage of the season we are in. We could be pattern making the whole day or visiting suppliers/ customers or the factory.

SS 14/15 Carousel The Minty Dress Photography – Amie Milne Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

 
Did you study fashion? If not what did you study?
 
Kajsa and I both studied Fashion design in Melbourne.

What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer? 
We are very lucky to have a career in something we love doing, not a lot of people can say they get to go to work doing something they love with their best friend. Our favorite part of our job is seeing each collection come together, after months of pattern making and toiling seeing a beautiful array of garments is the best feeling.

 
How did you select the materials you used?

We are always drawn to texture and color, we initially pick out a few key fabrics and try and fill in the gaps with some basics. We work with an artist each season to design a new print based on the inspiration behind the collection.

Before creating your brand did you work for another label?

Kajsa and I both interned in our last year of university.

 
What made you create this label? Tell us your story

We both finished university and where at a point in our lives where we wanted to create something for ourselves. Tired of throw away fashion we hoped to create something a little more meaningful.

 
 
How did you get started in all this?

We always had a love for creating which led us both to study fashion, which eventually led to the label – an outlet for us both to be creative.

 
 
How did you get to where you are now with your label?

SS 14/15 Carousel Boss hostler pant Photography – Amie Milne Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

We have worked extremely hard for the past two years. We started the label fresh out of university and were a little niave. We made a lot of mistakes but learnt hard and fast not to make them again.

How and what gives your inspiration for each collection? Do you  
 
go on fashion trips to gain inspiration? 

We base each collection on a narrative, creating a story inspired by something that has come into our lives during the previous 6 months. It could start with a song, a movie a news story anything that has sparked a thought of inspiration and stayed with us.   Before we begin designing again we like to get out of the studio, we often take a day or two and get out of Melbourne to refresh and relax and talk about what we want for the next season. 

 
Who is your target market?
The APOM lady has her own style. She likes to be comfortable but still feel elegant.  
she has an active lifestyle,  and needs her clothing to cater for that. We have found there is no limit on who wears our clothing, we have found women from all ages wear APOM clothing the way they want.

SS 14/15 Carousel Photography – Amie Milne Styling – Rebecca Vitartas


Where is the final product made? 
We have a factory in Melbourne that makes about 80% of our garments, all our printed garments are made  in India. 

 
What’s your current achievement with the brand that you are most proud of?

 
Seeing our first collection materialize and sold in stores around Melbourne. It was the first time we saw our clothing on a rack. These first few months were very exciting times. Every little achievement APOM gets we still get a bit of a buzz out of, the Label is still growing and every day is exciting for us.

SS 14/15 Carousel Banjo shirt Photography – Amie Milne Styling – Rebecca Vitartas

 
 
Who’s your inspiration/ fashion designers who you look up to?

We admire women who have ever lasting style like Katherine Hepburn and Grace Kelly. We get inspired by local artists and makers but some of our favorite designers are Phoebe Philo and Proenza Schouler for their innovative prints and textured fabric

Special thanks to Kajsa Kvernmo and Kate Brook xx

BRITTNEY ANN

Student Feature

BRITTNEY ANN 



 
Meet current fashion design student Brittney Hunt.
She currently attends Kangan Tafe Richmond campus.

I met Brittney at Stage Label MSFW event. Her collection Brittney Ann was showcased on the night.


I had quickly interviewed Brittney backstage.We instantly connected apart from both having attended the same tafe but as well her beautiful and friendly personality.

Her inspiration and ideas were magnificent, as she explained that an aboriginal elder had taught her to grass weave.

Below Brittney explains more in depth about herself and the collection.

How long have you wanted a career in fashion? 
My Whole life!

Before Kangan had you previously studied anything else?

Before Kangan I completed my VCE along with completing a short course for retail.

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You’re currently a student at Kangan Tafe in your third year of your advanced diploma of design, tell us more about your current experience with Kangan and what you have achieved since attending Kangan.

When I look back I have learnt so much and although the experience has been stressful it’s also been very enjoyable. There is such amazing people at Kangan who have surrounded me having contributed to this beautiful experience. Most of the teachers at Kangan are fantastic. My favourite being Tunku who is my sewing and pattern making teacher.
Kangan also organized a scholarship at a partnering school Yogyakarta state University for my class. This was an incredible experience.


When I met you was this your first fashion show? Was it your first collection on show to the public? 

No it was my third, I have also exhibited in two shows for MSFW by ARTZ.

How did you come up with the idea to use the materials you used?  and why? 

My collection is based around textures, as it’s called ‘Textured Androgyny’. So I based my decision on the tactile feeling of all the materials. All the velvets and the minky dot, not only did they feel soft but they also had a sense of warmth about the material, which I needed for this winter collection. I also tried to choose sustainable natural fabrics as much as I could in acceptation of the velvets. I made the pants out of sand washed silk because of light luxurious feel and the fall of the fabric. I was also always going to use my grass weave, not only because it has this harsh texture, which is intriguing, but because I wanted to showcase the aboriginal culture in my collection. It is truly Australian and I value you this as an Australian designer. We must look at our history and our roots before we move forward.

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What gives you inspiration? 

Anything and everything can gives me inspiration. Specifically for this collection I was inspired by such designers as Lanvin and Alexander McQueen, their dark sense of fashion and mostly androgynous silhouettes are very intriguing to me. I mirrored this in the androgynous silhouettes of my garments and subtle over sexualizing cross darts over the bust. I felt in recent times that women show off every body part to ‘catch’ a mans attention. I wanted to bring back women dressing for themselves. I was obviously also inspired by the aboriginal culture as you can see by the grass weaving, and in my circular dotted knits that have not been released yet.

Have you completed any internships? 

Sadly I haven’t, because I have been so busy with work and school. It is a full time job but I am currently seeking one!


What are your goals would you like to be an independent brand or work for a brand? 

Honestly I would love to work for myself and develop my own brand and style of clothing, but I think I need to work for someone else’s brand to develop my skills. School is very different from a company and I would enjoy learning more in a company/head office experience. Although I would love to be involved with anything having to do with fashion, no matter what it is as long as I am in the industry I know I will love it.

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Advice for anyone who is currently studying fashion?

If you are not completely passionate about it, then I do advise not to go ahead with studying fashion. As it requires a lot of dedication and long hours.
Although if you are passionate about fashion then go for it. Don’t let others tell you that you won’t succeed, push forward because it’s not up to others, it’s wholly placed on your shoulders where you want to be and how to achieve your dreams. Also don’t let your teachers or peers opinion change your point of view of your collection, because to be a fashion designer it is to show your own opinion through clothing and this is what makes you an individual in the massive sea of designers out there.

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Special thanks to Brittney xx

Spring Fling

It’s springtime and it’s time to give up our black attire. The time for colour is upon us.
 From my recent adventure to London town I picked up some new threads.
 Colour was all around me & peg pants were a hit. 
It motivated and inspired me to brighten up for the season.

  

Photographer// Dermie // Defiant Arts
Blouse//Topshop //   Pants// Topshop //   Necklace // boutique shop //  Shoes//Forever New //  Lipstick// Mac//

Stage Label MSFW 2014

https://www.stagelabel.com

Myself & Brittney

It was an unbelievable privilege to be invited to one of Melbourne’s exclusive Fashion shows – STAGE LABEL MSFW. Collaborated with the elite A list of who’s who in this iconic industry held in the regal palace namely, the MON BIJOU overlooking Melbourne’s vivid lights.

As the elevator doors slowly opened, my eyes gazed towards the opulence of the carefully created scene. The adrelenin of countless guests waltzing around the shimmering room tapping cheek to cheek with fancy cocktails in hand to mark their territory. We were cordially welcomed by beautiful host Letitia Sindt and Liam Hall and with a gracious greeting from CEO Rohit Bhargava.

Myself & Letitia

What made this event up close and personal was the interactive show case. Interactive you ask? Yes, guests flocked to communicate contentedly to designer’s who were mingling and happy to tell their stories around the plush busy suite. Engagement with the closeness of striking models professionally strutting on and off the narrow runway was breathtaking. The aroma of the fabrics swishing in the air as models raced past me was spectacular. The norm for these events you would be a part of the audience observing designer’s collection, not at this event, you were part of this stunning show.
Excitingly gathering my thoughts walking up the staircase, people were whooshing past to make their statements to finalize last minute details. Throughout the evening I tapped shoulders with proprietor Mike of the successful Toni and Guy salons from St Kilda and Armadale as well as the prosperous Toni and Guy team also from St Kilda and Armadale locations. Thanks to Mike a backstage VIP pass was issued to me and did I grasp the opportunity to investigate the vibe. Backstage I had the prospect to meet another icon designer, Brittany, whom I will be featuring on my blog at a later stage.

The show had begun with models boasting each designer’s unique collection gliding down the runaway. I loved every moment of this extraordinaire showcase. Each designer showcased during the evening is featured in an interview steered by ROHIT below.

About Stage Label
 Rohit Bhargava, StageLabel’s Creator and CEO, noticed countless talented designers were struggling to gain recognition in the highly competitive fashion industry. After witnessing himself that many of his peers unsuccessfully beginning their own label. Rohit had a vision and stage was born.  

launching in November 2013 StageLabel has already signed over 85 designers across Australia to it’s unique platform and will be launching international designers to our platform in the near future.

How does it work?

StageLabel provides pathways for our designers.
StageLabel connects emerging designers with a fashion forward community, who get to select which designers and garments are going to be successful on the platform, and in return, receive an early access period to pre-order limited run, custom made items as well as additional rewards and discounts for the first few backers for each Project.

It is a unique “crowd-funding for fashion” platform where fashion brands and labels can test, validate and fund individual designs from their collection, while giving members from our community access to unique, limited edition garments

Unlike traditional crowd-funding platforms, StageLabel aims to solve barriers faced specifically in the fashion industry.Where most crowd-funding platforms are used as a one-off source for an initial capital injection for a label, StageLabel helps designers test the market for individual designs from their collection pre-production

Focusing on working primarily with emerging designers,
This allows designers to be smarter with the way they invest their limited capital and by providing the funds for the entire production run by pre-selling garments, we remove all the risks associated with creating and holding a large inventory of items.

In a short time since the début Stage Label. It has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s fastest growing and most exciting start up company. Recent achievements “Top 10 start ups to watch in 2014”
Congratulations to the team. I cant wait to see this brand achieve more everyday helping others achieve their dream in the industry.

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BACKSTAGE

Behind the scenes the crew from TONI & GUY.
Fresh from the UK runway hairstyles. The team did a superb job with creating all the hairstyles for the show at stage label on the night.

May I add the most friendliest hairdressers I have met. All had such beautiful personalities it was a pleasure to had met them all.
Rex chan Photography

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Special thanks to CEO Rohit Bhargava for supplying me with these interviews of each desinger on the night.
Like what you see? Head to https://www.stagelabel.com/projects to purchase your favourite garments from the night!
As well all links to garments are below each photo.

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Danielle Power-Silk 

Stuz Photography

Your name: Danielle Power-Silk

Name of your label: Danielle Power-Silk

How the label started/ how long it has been around for:I’ve been designing since high school. I haven’t launched my label yet.

Your background: 

New Zealand fashion designer now based in Melbourne. I have shown several of my own designs at New Zealand Fashion Week with one winning a highly commended award. I have also made it to the finals in two design competitions in New Zealand.

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection:
I have not released a collection yet. I am showing two of my designs from New Zealand Fashion Week. One of my dresses is inspired by the 1950s, my fur trim coat is inspired by Louise Brooks and Dita Von Teese, my monochrome print jacket is inspired by Chanel

Stuz Photography

Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/1950s-inspired-dress-by-dps

Stuz Photography

Left Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/monochrome-print-jacket-by-dps
Center Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/return-to-glamour-by-dps
Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/1950s-inspired-dress-by-dps

Stuz Photography

Left Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/monochrome-print-jacket-by-dps
Right Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/dps-blouse

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Your name: Samantha Lentini

Greg and Angie Photography

Name of your label: s.L.c The Label

Stands for: Samantha Lentini Creative

How the label started/ how long it has been around for? 

Started working on it in Jan 2014, launched online store in June, 2014. ! !

Your background in fashion?

After graduating with a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) in 2012 at accredited Australian fashion institution RMIT, Samantha Lentini, the brains behind s.L.c, dabbled in many types of fashion. It was not until her graduate year when a like for creating fully functional clothing with slight quirky accent was discovered

s.L.c the label began its conception when a considerable gap was discovered within the Australian fashion market for flatteringly comfortable and easy-to-wear garments with an understandable price-tag.

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection? 

Through pattern placement, fabric selection & overall cut, s.L.c seeks to create a look that is highly C.C.C: Clean, Cool & Comfortable. Furthermore, it prides itself on its highly creative design process. All prints are derived from Samantha’s original hand-drawn illustrations which have been resolved with necessary technical modifications.

This collection is heavily underpinned by three things: wearability, comfort and form. It works under the strong belief that style is & should always remain easy.

Things to not forget
My digital prints are 100% original, derived from my own hand-drawn illustrations.
I proudly manufacture in Australia

Photographer: Stephanie Thy

Stuz Photography

The line box crew : https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-box-crew

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Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee

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Left Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-muscle-tee
Center The Line Box Crew: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-box-crew
Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee

Stuz Photography

Left Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee
Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-raglan

Styling tip: Pop them on with basic bottoms (leathers, denims, marl greys) and you’re good to go!

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Kev Koyu: KKOYU

Stuz Photography

Your name : Kev koyu

Name of your label : Kkoyu

How the label started/ how long it has been around for :I am currently working on launching my label, as it is now progress. I have started last year after I registered as a designer at fashion gala ( butterfly foundation) charity event.

Your background: Currently studying fashion design and technology at RMIT.  I’ve realized how much I wanted this and, now, working to hopefully towards launching my label. As I am still 19 years old, I have a  lot to learn. I do not want rush into something that is beyond my reach. I am Ambitiously working hard, experiencing and learn about the fashion industry.

My vision for KKOYU is to depict modesty and sophistication. I truly believe modesty is a way of elegance and class. It is what every woman should have.  

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection 

This mini collection is based on the inner beauty of flower. I am inspired by flower movement of wind, layers and the shaping of variety of flowers. I’ve looked into monet garden as a research.  When females wear these pieces I want them to embrace their inner beauty. regardless of age or time we should always be beautiful in what we wear, this range truly depicts the feminine nature within us.

Stuz Photography

Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/flap-stripe-t-shirt
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/monet-skirt

Center Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress
Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/panel-dress

Stuz Photography

Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/flap-stripe-t-shirt
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/monet-skirt

Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress

Stuz Photography

Left Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress
Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/panel-dress


Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/leafy-top
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/leafy-skirt

Styling tip:
 Whilst I was designing these looks, i wanted to suit  wide range of customers. So with each garment you can dress it up or down changes to your event. A pair of suede heels and oversize coat, or nike sneakers under the pedal dress. Will look great either way.  The colour platte is neutral so embrace bright colours through your lipstick choice or accessory choices.

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Ashleigh Becker: AshMaybe

Stuz Photography

 Your name: Ashleigh Becker

Name of your label: Ash MayBe

How the label started/ how long it has been around for: Since the end of 2013, after I finished university

Your background: I have always been a creative person, but came to focus on fashion, probably because of my love for clothes. I studied at RMIT, and now have a Bachelor in Applied Science – Fashion Technology. This course gave me the skills and knowledge to start my own label.! Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection: I love working with bright coloured fabrics, and combining two fabrics within a garment. The two dresses are a perfect example of this. The t-shirt and playsuit were inspired by all the mesh that is around at the moment, and combining two textures within a garment, instead of colours.

Stuz Photography

Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-stripes

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Garments from left to right 
Dress (sunglass print) : https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-sunnies
Playsuit: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/victoria-playsuit
Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/elizabeth-tee
Dress (stripes):  https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-stripes

A styling tip for each piece: The Majorca dresses can be worn casually on a summers day, paired with black sandals and accessories. Or dressed up for a night out, with some sleek heels, and a black clutch. Similarly, the Elizabeth Tee can be dressed up, or down. It would look great with some denim shorts, or leather-look leggings, and heels. The Victoria Playsuit is more suited as eveningwear, with some elegant heels, black clutch, and subtle jewellery.

Stuz Photography

Left Playsuit: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/victoria-playsuit
Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/elizabeth-tee

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Brittney Hunt: Brittney Ann

Stuz Photography

 

 Your name: Brittney Hunt
Label name: Brittney Ann

How the label started/ how long has it been around for: Brittney Ann is a relatively new label and was only started this year

Back ground: I have always been interested and intrigued by fashion and have currently studied the Advanced Diploma of fashion design and technology at Kangan Institute. When finishing school I aim to produce and sell my own brand of clothing under Brittney Ann and to eventually open up my very own shop in Melbourne.

Inspiration: I was originally inspired by texture for this collection as you can see in the velvet jackets and the dots on the minky dot dress. It was then I experimented in weaving and was taught by an aboriginal elder to weave baskets out of matt rush grass, I then interpreted this technique into my own style, hence where the grass top and hats were born. This collection is based on textural fabrics, androgynous silhouettes with elegant touches such as open backs and ambiguous darts.

Styling tips: The ready wear pieces can be styled together for day or night. With exception of the grass woven top which is an avant-garde piece and she only be worn on special occasions.

Having been told by Brittney herself backstage, about her exquisite collection she had created. I was literally blown away by her hand crafted garments & pieces  the texture and feel was divine giving it more appeal to her collection  

Stuz Photography

Left Woven grass top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/woven-grass-top
Pants: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/gor-pant

Right Hat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/grass-hat
Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/little-black-dress
Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/teal-velvet-jacket 

Stuz Photography

Stuz Photography

Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/white-minky-dot-dress
Hat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/small-grass-hat
Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/velvet-coat

Stuz Photography

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Emma Lockey – EMMA LOCKEY

Stuz Photography

 

Your name: Emma Lockey

Name of your label: EMMA LOCKEY

How the label started/ how long it has been around for?
This is a new start up company, launching its first collection with Stage Label during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2014

Fashion Background:

I am a Fashion Design and Technology student at Kangan Institute Richmond, doing my final year of the Advanced Diploma. Colour has always inspired me and I love to experiment with different textures, colours and patterns. Having grown up in Singapore i was immersed  in different cultures this influenced and inspired an oriental touch throughout most collections. I’ve always been involved in theatre – both acting and costume design which has informed my approach to fashion design – bringing  an element of the theatrical to everyday.

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection?

Inspired by the 60s Beatle mania, flower power and a kaleidoscope of colour. This collection – Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds brings  colours and patterns inspired from the Beatles song – so Picture yourself in a boat on a river. With tangerine trees and marmalade skies. Close fitting faux suede bustier and a knit dress or top, teamed with quilted metallic highlighted separates. These combine to carry you through from  the office into the night with an exciting range of looks to make heads turn

Stuz Photography

LSD collection is all about having fun – bringing colour to winter, and being adaptable and versatile. This collection moves from day to night and can be accessorised with casual flat shoes or heels, but pair the collection with high platforms to fully compliment its 60s origins. Similarly have fun with hair and makeup – tease up hair and line and shadow eyes to bring flower power back!! !

Stuz Photography

Corset: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/suede-corset
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/quilted-metallic-mini-skirt

Stuz Photography

Corset: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/suede-corset
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/quilted-metallic-mini-skirt

Stuz Photography

Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/lucy-in-the-sky-with-diamonds-knit-top
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/beehive-skirt
Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/kaleidoscope-coat

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Helani Sarath- Kumara: Gather & Stitch 

Stuz Photography

Your name: Helani Sarath-Kumara

Name of your label: Gather and Stitch

How the label started/ how long it has been around for: 
I started Gather and Stitch in 2010 about 6 months after finishing a degree in Visual Communication at UTS. In 2009 when I was visiting Sri Lanka, I was in a rural village where they did not have enough money to finish building a building to teach children (after school tuition given free of charge to monetarily disadvantaged children).  I saw this building at the time and wondered if there was anything we could do back in Australia to help out. I started planning a fashion show to raise the money and also to launch the label. I created Gather and Stitch in order to do the fashion show and it took off after that. On the 29th of August 2010, the fashion show raised $5000 (the building is finished now!) and attracted 315 guests.! !

The fashion show was co organised by my now husband, his expertise and know-how contributed heavily to its success. There was also around 52 friends who helped make that day work from sound to make-up to backstage – everything happened because of them. For the last 4 years I have created a studio from home and use this as the base for Gather and Stitch. It has grown into a couture fashion label, as well as including hair and make-up artistry as a service.! !

Your background: Background in Design – Bachelor of Visual Communication @ University of Technology Sydney. ! !

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection: Summer sunsets, ice-cream, the beautiful ‘blues’ and ‘pinks’ the sky and ocean make at dusk.

When each garment arrived out on the runway. The elegance to each garment came alive, the beautifully textured lace garments each piece was so gently and beautifully created. It had a romantic and elegant vibe to each.

Stuz Photography

Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/golden-caramel-top
 Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/golden-carmel-skirt

Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top 
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt

Stuz Photography

Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt

Stuz Photography

   Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt

Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-mint-top
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-skirt

Stuz Photography

Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-mint-top
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-skirt

Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-top
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/cotton-candy-skirt

Stuz Photography

Styling tips:

Sweet Strawberry Top with Strawberry Sorbet Skirt is Best worn – together with cream/nude heels

Sweet Strawberry Top – Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt
Strawberry Sorbet Skirt – Can be worn as seen OR with tight or loose top that is plain or patterned to match
Mint Sorbet Top with Cotton Candy Skirt is best worn – together with cream/nude heels

Sweet Strawberry Top – Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt

Strawberry Sorbet Skirt – Can be worn as seen OR with tight or loose top that is plain or patterned to match

 Strawberry Mint Top with Mint Sorbet Skirt is best worn – together with cream/nude heels

Sweet Strawberry Top – Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt.Best worn together with gold or nude heels
Golden Carmel Skirt – best worn with Golden Carmel Top

Le blonde Fox
xx

 Special thanks to CEO Rohit Bhargava

Christie Nicole

Become acquainted with flair fashion designer Christie Nicole Trowbridge. A pipedream that blossomed into her own label at the youthful age of 23 years. Completing a Bachelor of Design in fashion, Christie landed the grand opportunity of an internship with one of the finest fashion icons of the century, Karen Walker. 

Based in New Zealand, Christie embraced prospectus offers to learn the business and flourished with the continual success of where the brand has emerged today. 

Christie Nicole took sexy intimate apparel pieces and tailored every woman with the desire to feeling and looking beautiful. Accessories are an ensemble when assembling an outfit. The designer’s exquisite handcrafted bralettes are carefully crafted in her personal Sydney studio. 

A roundtable discussion with Christie about her passion – her label. 

 
“Grabbing inspiration from anywhere & everywhere.”   

              

What’s your name?

Christie Nicole Trowbridge

 Age? 23

Did you previously study fashion? 

I sure did, studied a Bachelor of Design

How did you get started?


Once I graduated I went an did an internship with Karen Walker in New Zealand for 8 months and I came back and I could not get a job anywhere within the design industry. So I decided to start my label and amazingly it has bloomed and all my time goes towards

What made you get into fashion?

My grandma, I remember her always sewing around me when I was younger, then I did textiles at school and really loved it!


Who’s your inspiration/ fashion designers who you look up to?


Riccardo Tisci – Givenchy – IN LOVE

What’s your up coming design theme for your brand?


My Spring / Summer collection is being launched early October, called the ‘The Great Escape’ – that is all I can tell you for now, you’ll have to wait and see J

What made you create this brand?


I always wanted to have my own brand from the start it was just a matter of when.

How many years did it take for your idea to hit reality and start producing and selling?

It honestly took about a month or two.

what’s your main focus on your brand, 
where is your label made?

My main focus on my brand is to produce beautiful products that everything lovely lady will want. At the moment I am taking everything one step at a time, its all a learning curve at the moment.

I hand make all bralettes in Sydney, Australia and leather clothing pieces are made in Indonesia.

What are your future plans with the label and your feeling for future trends!

A soon future plans would be to eventually expand into doing clothing etc

I do have a plan for the future but its top secret! 🙂 

Special thanks to Christie Nicole xx
www.christienicole.bigcartel.com

Bird & Knoll

Bird and knoll was founded by Macayla Chapman and Natalie Knoll in 2013.  Both dynamic duos having Natalie’s talent behind the camera and Macayla’s creative business background having a broad experience in New Zealand with the most successful fashion businesses. Collaboration focuses on combining tactile, quality textiles and finishes with distinct photographic images to create a beautiful brand of lux accessories. Each of their luxurious oversized cashmere-blend scarves is printed with a photograph of an iconic and exotic destination – a narrative of the modern woman’s contemporary lifestyle and travel aspirations.. “we have set out to create an accessories collection that the discerning fashionista would use as the final edit of her outfit – like a great handbag, a beautiful pair of shoes … an eye-catching scarf” says Chapman “these are pieces that simplify her life with their versatility, quality and creative impact.”

I was delighted when Natalie agreed to be interviewed for LeBlondeFox about what Natalie and Macayla have created together. Below is a further insight about the two and their brand for us to read. Their achievements with the brand are rising and which we are proud to see in our Australian brands as they continue to do so!

What is your label about?
Bird and Knoll is elegantly brings together fashion, travel and photography on our oversized cashmere blend scarves. We are very much about luxury and quality and versatility.

 
What made you create this label? Tell us your story.
I (Natalie) have been a professional photographer for more than ten years but had been looking for another creative outlet for a while. The idea came to me when we were travelling and I knew that I needed to do this with friends and fashion aesthete, Macayla. We have been working on the label for a year and a half now and have just lauched our second collection to our more than twenty stockists across five countries and online. 


How did you get started in all this?
We had the business background from my years as an investment banker in London and New York. We had the creative photography from my more than ten years as a photographer and we had the fashion and editorial industry know-how from Macayla’s experience working for top fashion labels in New Zealand doing sales and marketing. Taking all of this knowledge and experience and a lot of research and product development, we have slowly but methodically built a brand that we are very proud of. 


How many in your team?
The business is really Macayla and I but we have a phenomenal support team with our PR firms in Australia, New Zealand and New York and from our supplier in China.

 
How did you get to where you are now with your label?
A lot of research, asking the right questions, comparing what we have and want to do with what is out there, taking constructive feedback from our stockists and customers…really focusing on important details that make the Bird and Knoll experience a complete one. 


How and what gives your inspiration for each collection? Do you go on fashion trips to gain inspiration?
 
 Bird and Knoll appeals to a broad demographic right from younger fashionistas to more mature fashion doyennes – but they are always women who recognize the value of one of our scarves as the final edit to their outfit.

 
How do you go about sourcing your products?
Once we have quite a clear idea of what we want from our own research, we liaise with our supplier agent in Hong Kong who is brilliantly effective at helping us to source the right finish, the right quality, the right look for Bird and Knoll.

How many years did it take for your idea to hit reality and start becoming a reality?
It took us a year from when we first started talking about it to delivering our first collection to stockists.

 
Where is the final product made?
Our products are made just outside of Shanghai using an Italian owned company with representation in China. They are as pedantic about quality as we are. 


What’s your current achievement with the brand that you are most proud of?
Being described by Harpers Bazaar as a failsafe travel accessory, being instagrammed by Lindy Klim and Lesley Crawford, being selected as part of the wardrobe ensemble for a new Australian movie…There have been a lot of highlights! We are really so happy with how Bird and Knoll is flying… 


 
What are your future plans with your label?
Scarves will always be the core product of Bird and Knoll but we are looking to introduce an interesting and beautiful new product next year. We have also started collaborating with a well-known Australian designer and head to New York next month for meetings with buyers and media there. 


Who’s your inspiration/ fashion designers who you look up to?
Travel and culture and the imagery they generate are our greatest inspirations but we get a little giddy looking at labels like Givenchy and Chanel for their unbelievably amazing details. Australian designers have really come into their own too – wonderfully fresh and unique perspectives that have really made the world sit up and take notice of what is happening Downunder. 


What’s your feeling for future trends – We see people wanting more and more simplicity in their lives but not at the expense of style. Design is already and will need to continue to accommodate this in cuts, fabric and versatility. 


And lastly, any advice to people who want to get into the industry!
It may sound clichéd, but hard work, research, knowing your market and not compromising on the quality and finish you want are imperative. Most importantly….Be nice!! 
   

Speical thanks to Natalie & Macayla xx
http://www.birdandknoll.com

Wonders Cease

 
Fashion Designers Maryanne Edwards and Emma Fitzgerald consorted the discovery made in 2009, namely, ‘Wonders Cease’. Having both studied at South Sydney Institute of TAFE a diploma in Fashion Design, where in fact they had both met at. Both having an aim of their mid to high-end womenswear label is to create pieces that are boutique-exclusive, financially accessible and make the wearer feel fashion forward yet timelessly chic. Wonders cease is gradually becoming known for its signature design of delicate handwriting of sophisticated artless shapes are carefully crafted on feature fabrics. An affordable chic wardrobe with the exclusivity of a silent screen goddess. 
 
The name wonder cease orginated from Emma, she had  read somewhere ‘What if wonders cease?’ emma and I were discussing that idea and decided that it wouldn’t be such a bad thing. If everything we planned for turned out exactly the way it was expected then in essence you could create your own best effort you can and accepting what comes out of it. 
 
Not wanting to conquer the world, the couturiers aspiration is to progressively pace the label controllably and remain true to their vision that is too establish a successful fashion label that prides itself on quality design, fabrics and workmanship (on Australian shores). To be stocked in a handful of great multi-label boutiques in each state of Australia would be ideal with the future vision of opening our own store or a few one day. 

I was grateful to interview this establish successful fashion label that prides itself on quality design, fabrics and workmanship stocked on Australian shores .As well Congratulations, Maryanne and Emma as the winners for ’Best Emerging Designer’ at ‘The Fashion Forward Festival’ Sydney, May 2010.

What is your label about?  

It’s about quality, in craftsmanship and fabrication. We believe in buying clothes to be worn again and again so our pieces have a timeless appeal to them. They also feature a detail or texture that makes them unique, timeless doesn’t have to equal boring. We believe that clothes, and everything, should be crafted with love and as such maintain a close relationship with our makers.    

  
What’s a usual day in the office? 

There is no usual day in a small business, Emma and I both juggle part-time jobs as well as our label. We work from our homes on patterns and designs and we dash between makers, fabric agents, boutiques with the mobile office. The role is very cyclical too so it just depends where we are up to in the creating/marketing process.  

 
Did you study fashion? If not what did you study? 

We both studied at South Sydney Institute of TAFE a diploma in Fashion Design, it’s where we met in fact. 

 
What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer? 

It’s really a wonderful feeling when you see friends or customers wearing and loving your creations. Knowing that they have been ethically made in superior fabrics, encouraging quality over quantity makes me happy. Doing shoots or shows is exciting too when the clothes come to life on a body.  

 
How did you select the you used? 

Very instinctually, we visit our agents to view the collections and just pull anything that jumps out, we love to use natural fibres so we tend to sort a bit by taking out any synthetics that have caught our eye. Sometimes we have particular fabrics in mind but often we evolve the design as we fabric shop.  

 
What made you create this label? Tell us your story 

It was very much an organic thing, Emma and I were both in a place of wanting to try something new than the roles we were working in and so decided to create one collection just for the fun of it. It was not really our intention to create a business but rather we just kept designing and exploring ways of marketing and it evolved into the brand it is now. 

 
How did you get started in all this? 

We put together a tight capsule of about 20 pieces, we had a show at a gallery with industry, friends and family, we took orders. 

 
How many in your team? 

Just 2 really plus everyone we outsource. 

 
How did you get to where you are now with your label? 

Every time we designed a new collection we explored new avenues of marketing and sales, we did shows, shoots, pop-up stores, launch parties. The creative process is similar, each season it gets easier to come up with the new range as the brand establishes a signature style. 

How and what gives your inspiration for each collection? Do you go on fashion trips to gain inspiration?  

We love travel, we have been to Tokyo several times plus NYC and Bali together. Always those trips provide great inspiration as well as watching the international shows online, but it’s not necessary as such – we tend to just design from a place of what’s the piece we want in our wardrobe now? or what’s the new version of a favourite style from last collection? Often the fabric does the talking, a style just comes to mind straight away. 

 
Who is your target market? 

Women like us, aged 25-40. Women with an eye for quality and craftsmanship, smart buyers that want something unique but not heavily trend focused, buying pieces for longevity as well as fun.  

  

Where is the final product made?  

Our most recent collection was made in Bali where we were based for a few months developing it with our factory there, all collections prior were made here in Sydney. 

  
What’s your current achievement with the brand that you are most proud of? 

Fashion week was a highlight for sure, and landing a partnership with thegrandsocial.com. 

 
How many years did it take for your idea to hit reality and start becoming a reality? 

I think as soon as you set your mind on something it becomes a reality, we just wanting to create a collection so we did. Every season you start again in terms of getting it out to the customer so it is hard to build a brand when you’re producing physical and seasonal items. 

 
Any difficulties in creating and production?  

Of course, there are difficulties in anything you put effort into. In creating it could be that you really have a fabric in mind and it’s just not out there, or something looks great as a sketch but just doesn’t translate 3 dimensionally. In production – we haven’t had any disasters as such (thank goodness) just little things, it’s important to be as specific as possible with everything narrowing the margins of error.  

 
Before creating your brand did you work for another label? 

I worked for Cue on their label Veronika Maine as a designer. 
 
What are your future plans with your label?  

For now we are actually having a break in the designing while we clear some stock from past seasons, we just reshot some pieces from last winter, it’s fun to restyle and freshen up our image gallery. 

 
Who’s your inspiration/ fashion designers who you look up to? 

We love Nicholas Ghesquiere especially while he was at Balenciaga, we also love Alexander Wang and now he does Balenciaga! Stella McCartney, The Row, Celine, Givenchy, Jil Sander.  

 
What’s your feeling for future trends 

I feel like anything goes these days, it’s never been a big interest of mine to predict trends and I think it narrows creativity when you try to work that way. Hopefully the trend is toward ethically made quality garments.  

 
And lastly, any advice to people who want to get into the industry! 

If design is something you love to do then go for it, we must all spend time doing what lights us up.