MAUDE Studio

Glitz and Glamour there is never a dull moment with the emerging designer Courtenay. Founder of Melbourne label MAUDE Studio

Having handcrafted all her collection to shimmer perfection. Courtenay’s hard work shows in all her ultimate statement pieces.

I sat down with Courtenay for our interview inside a café, below where her studio is situated. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek upstairs. I must say it’s very enchanting to see the full range out in display I was mesmerised by the handbags, a truly beautiful collection. From lined up bags to cabineted glitzy sparkly shoes she had hand embellished herself.

Did you study fashion?

I attended RMIT’s, Bachelor Of Design (Fashion) course, I graduated in 2008 with first class honours.

I was awarded Most Promising Student in 2007, which was judged by Karen Rieschieck, owner of Alice Euphemia which was a little boutique in the Nicholson building which housed independent Australian designers. After the completion of my course I moved overseas to Stockholm, Sweden. I interned for 6 months with local designers Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair. It was a small boutique fashion company where i got to work in all area’s of the business. The designers there was really creative and inspiring, it was great to work alongside her.

What was it like to intern overseas?

I always knew when I graduated I wanted to go to Europe. My internship was for six months. It was a fantastic experience, because it was a really small team of seven people, so it was very hands on. After my internship I then started working for a much bigger company, which gave me a different skill set and valuable knowledge into the high street market.

What is your label about?

MAUDE Studio is very much about stand out pieces. I focus on capturing the preciousness of an object within wearability as well trying to make something fun, interesting and unique. It’s also a celebration of design imagination. i want to develop the idea of creating preciousness within certain objects, that’s what i’m exploring at the moment. I don’t take myself too seriously and I love what I do. MAUDE Studio is about people who want to celebrate their unique personality and style. The brand is for anyone who is after something fun and interesting. The Maude customer is outgoing, independent and smiles involuntarily in response to shiny things. It’s not so much about an age group, more about a mindset and attitude

 

What made you create this label? Tell us your story

I’ve always wanted to have my own design studio but before I could start on my own label, I wanted to gain some experience in the industry. After working within a small and super creative boutique design firm, I then worked at a much larger and more commercial fashion company, so I felt quite confident in being able to start my own label.

What’s a usual day in the office?

My studio overlooks a gallery space which is such a nice place to arrive to every morning. Basically at the moment I hand make all the pieces so that takes up most of my time. My usual day is centred around sewing, cutting out fabric pieces, applying all the hardware different gold hard wear plates installing them. Answering emails and getting in touch with people, being present online and in social media.

How many in you’re team?

Currently its just myself, however I have some really special and amazing people who have donated some of their time to helping me out at this early stage. Also I have worked really closely with Niika who are an amazing digital agency and managed to create an incredible website and online store which reflects the MAUDE Studio style.

MAUDE Studio The Candy Collection Bucket Bag in gold

How did you learn to create and make your handbags?

I taught myself how to make them. I learnt at Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair that you can make anything you want however you want, there are no rules. Coming from a womenswear background, I approached handbags the same way you would a garment. However it was a long process of trial and error to make the bags perfect, as the they need to be practical, functional, long-lasting and durable-as well as pretty and fun!

How do you go about sourcing your products?

It just depends, I try to find my fabrics locally but unfortunately that is difficult. Often I can’t find what I need so I have sourced some of my fabrics though an overseas wholesaler, but where I can I will buy fabrics locally.

What materials do you use?

I use synthetic fabrics different variations of PU and PVC, as well as Polyester. I’m vegetarian so I prefer not to work with leather, and there are some really amazing synthetic fabrics available.

MAUDE Studio The Candy Collection Diamond bag in Lilac

 

Where is the final product made?

All items are handmade locally in Melbourne by hand.

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

Experience and hard work. Having worked for a small design label helped me learn how to run things in my own small business. In addition to this, working for a larger company helped gain an understanding from a really structured business perspective. I have also just completed a Certificate 4 in Small Business so that was really useful and relevant.

How and what gives your inspiration for each collection?

My first collection Blue Planet (2012) was very much inspire by David Attenborough’s documentary titled “The Blue Planet” I’ve always been fascinated by sea creatures and in this collection you can see it is very much present. It was a five piece woman’s wear capsule collection featuring delicate pleating and flounces to emulate underwater creatures.

MAUDE Studio Blue Planet, Silk organza pleated dress

Glittermare (2013) was a mixture of shoes and clutches embellished with brightness and sparkles and spikes. I managed to source a whole heap of sample jewellery at the time and I came up with the idea to use all of those to regenerate something existing to make a new and exciting creation. I wanted to make pieces which were really over the top bling, crazy cool it was a scary fun look that I developed and applied onto clutches and shoes. I love the photos of this collection its one of my favourite shoots.

MAUDE Studio Glittermare, Iridescent spike clutch

 

The Candy Collection (2014) I knew I wanted to explore handbag design and so I decided to start to develop and focus on that. The Candy Collection is a 5 piece ensemble of bright and shimmery embellished handbags reflective of all things sugary sweet and artificial. It is currently available to purchase via the online store. I wanted to represent the feeling of being in a candy store but also make something beautiful and unique at the same time.

MAUDE Studio The Candy Collection Shopper bag in lime green and lilac

My previous collections, Blue Planet and Glittermare were both developed as just personal creative outlet. Whereas The Candy Collection is my first commercial collection available for purchase

 

What is your favourite part about being a fashion designer?

Working for myself is great, I have so much creative freedom. Previously I had worked for a really big company so now working for myself I can explore different ideas and concepts that inspire and drive me as a designer. Being able to do what you love and what interests you then finding a customer who appreciates that is very rewarding.

What’s your advice on networking to all our emerging designers and students?

Be outgoing and introduce yourself, be interested in what other people are doing. Follow people up people and if your very genuine about yourself and what you love people will recognise that and be interested in helping you out. Also, be nice it’s free and you never know where it will lead you.

MAUDE Studio The Candy Collection Diamond Deluxe bag in iridescent white

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

Getting my brand off the ground. Everything has come together really well and I’m really happy with the brand identity and the collection. I feel really proud of the online store and fortunate to have been able to work with Niika who have done such an amazing job with my website and online store. I’ve also had great people help me through the process supporting me at different stages with different things.

 

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

The concept has been bubbling ever since I was a fashion student. But so far its been eight months and the online store launched a couple of weeks ago.

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

Lots of people as well lots of different things! I do have a huge appreciation for Manish Arora he is amazing. What he does is what I dream about doing, he’s really into embellishments and delicate designs, which I admire and love.

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

Try and align yourself with people who you admire and look up. Also with whom you want to see yourself as eventually. Try and get close to them and learn from them. My internship really defined me as a designer. Choose your internship wisely because your time is very precious, you have the potential to learn so much or so little. Additionally having a belief in what you’re doing

Special thanks to Courtenay xx

Website
Facebook
Instagram: maude_studio

RES DENIM

www.resdenim.com

Elly Frangos

We all love a good pair of jeans, it’s a must have essentials in our wardrobe. Res Denim is vastly influenced by grunge and youth rebellion. Locally designed right here in Melbourne their denim is crafted to perfection for all body types and shapes. Created not so long ago in 2012 and has now taken the U.S by storm. Res denim is an influx of the 60s right through to the 90s influence rewind and is here to stay and is going stronger then ever.

I interviewed Elly Frango head designer at Res Denim, as she describes a captivating insight about herself and Res Denim.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself Elly about your fashion journey about where you are today.

I grew up in a small town learning ballet for many years and had a huge love of dress ups and costume; I was forever customizing my own clothes. From there I studied fashion and have been working as a designer since 2001. Very early in my career I knew I wanted to specialise in denim. Growing up in the heart of the 90s I loved rock and metal and was constantly inspired by denim icons such as Kurt Cobain / Nirvana, Metallica and Guns’n’Roses. I’m not sure my design career was going to go any other way, the inspiration for my calling was far to magnetic.

I began working for iconic Australian denim company Bradmill as a denim trend Bradmill cotton mills opened in 1927 in Yarraville, Melbourne and have been providing fabric to both the local and international market ever since. Here I worked with the owner of Bradmill who continues to be an amazing mentor for me. Since then I have travelled the globe forecasting and designing for many major players in the denim industry. A few years down the track RES Denim was born and I am really enjoying the entire creative process.

 

Tell us about Res Denim? 

RES Denim is a Melbourne based denim label with over two decades of experience in the denim and apparel industry. Our Parent company Bradmill were the first denim manufactures in Australia, supplying denim to some of the worlds most iconic denim brands.

Using premium European fabrics from Turkey & Spain, combined with heritage Bradmill fabrics, we continue to innovate traditional denim techniques, expertly crafting them for the modern individual.

We’re inspired by the denim icons of the 60s right through to the 90s, legends such as Kurt Cobain and Blondie. We look to the vintage classics to inspire our modern interpretations.

 

What is “usual” day in head office at Res Denim? 

The great thing about this industry, and my job in particular is that not every day is the same. My days often involve anything and everything, whether it be fabric sourcing, development of new wash techniques, ranging collections, research and storyboarding, inventing new fits, and everything in between. I’m constantly liaising with production, factories and fabric mills. Another part of the job is brainstorming and getting creative with the sales and marketing team. It’s a great environment that’s inspiring and high energy.

How do you gain inspiration for different looks/types of jeans you come up with for Res Denim?

Vintage clothes, old or new fabrics, photographs and books, constantly inspire me. I collect vintage denim and leather along with original band tees and vinyl. Music is a huge inspiration for me, I’m into rock, southern rock and metal from the 1970s and 80s. I look to vintage men’s denim for inspiration. Male denim icons are my vice, Bon Scott, Jeff Bridges, Slash, Robert Plant, James Hetfield and Bruce Springsteen just to name a few.

How do you source your denim? 

The most amazing thing about being the in-house brand of our parent company Bradmill is that I have access to so many amazing and luxurious fabrics. We use both vintage Bradmill heritage fabrics and also top of the range Turkish and Spanish fabrics.

Denim trends what will we see in the near future?

For women’s fits the super high-waisted jeans like our Harrys Hi, Gettin Hi and our Wanda are becoming the most requested styles, however people cannot get enough of our torn and deconstructed jeans. Colour wise white jeans are currently making a huge surge along with worn and blue/black denim.

Is it true we should wait a couple of months before we wash our jeans?

Denim is made from cotton a living breathing organism so its not really supposed to be washed. Jeans that have holes and are bleached back have had so much done to them during the process that washing them constantly just destroys them further. I rarely wash my jeans, I usually just hang them up in the bathroom to get steamed whilst I’m in the shower or inside out in the shade on the line, even the dryer on low heat with a dryer sachet works. But if I really must wash, it’s usually cold-water hand wash with some salt or low enzyme washing detergent and some fabric softener.

And lastly any advice to anyone who wants to become a designer or specialise in denim?

My advice to anyone wanting to work in design or denim is to firstly study, even if it’s just a course in materials, pattern making, or sewing. I also highly recommend that you also learn illustrator and excel. If you can work in retail this will give you invaluable insight into what the end product of the industry looks like. Intern with anyone that you think might provide you with a solid experience in the field that you want to be in, don’t turn away any offered opportunities you never know where they might take you or what you will learn. Be prepared to listen, work hard and be open to criticism and know that even after 14 years in the industry I’m still learning. Finally always be passionate and experiment whenever you can.

Ps, I love Res Denim thank you for creating Res Denim!

aww thank you xx

Special thanks to Elly

Website: www.resdenim.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RESDenim
Instagram: resdenim
twitter: https://twitter.com/ResDenim

Rocker vibe

S 



Special thanks to Lisa from Dean & Nadine for this beautiful handmade necklace check out our interview HERE

//Dress: Somedays Lovin // Leather Jacket: Gorman //High Thighs: Witchery// Clutch: French Connection // Necklace: Dean & Nadine

Delightful Darling

 Meet fashion designer student Hayleah Ralph. Hayleah is inspired by all things fantasy and mystical. Having always been surrounded by Art at a young age, her childhood days were filled with countless art and craft activities. She was encouraged to express herself and think outside the box and question normality.

Now as a designer Her imagination runs wild and free. She strongly encourages the expression of ones self through fashion and to be the main character of your own fairy tail.
Hayleah is finalising her studies at Academy of Design (Bachelor in Design Arts Majoring in Fashion Design) Inspiring her to create her own fashion label right here in Melbourne called Delightful Darling.
Her creations are marvellously unique wholly inspired and based upon fairytale books. I was thrilled to collaborate with Hayleah and her collection, it is based on “The Folk of the Faraway Tree” by Enid Blyton.

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How long have you wanted a career in fashion? 

Many designers have dreamt of being a designer since when they were little, but for me it was right at the end of year twelve.
When I was choosing what university courses to apply for. I have always enjoyed being creative and dressing up but it wasn’t until then that I really considered a career in fashion.

Tell us about your brand delightful darling

“Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale.” Delightful Darling aims to embody and share the essence of this statement with the world. Specialising in feminine aesthetic and child like details. The label is all about expressing yourself and having a play with your own look. The collection is exceptionally versatile; incorporating many reversible pieces. This creating ultimate wear ability and allowing the customer to tailor the collection to their own personal style.

You’re currently a student at academy of design in your final year of fashion design , tell us more about your current experience with the academy of design and what you have achieved since attending.

Through out my time at the Academy I’ve been encouraged to really push myself as a creative,br I feel this has shaped me into the designer I am today. Last year I was lucky enough to be selected for a scholarship with a group of nine other students. I traveled to Paris and London on a two week study. This experience was a huge eye opener for me because i had experienced so  much culture and exciting opportunities with the scholarship. This year I also asked to participate in “ A Capital Collection “ runway show as part of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival cultural program. I was asked to create two looks based on the 60’s. This was a great event as it allowed me to network with other creative people.

How did you go about sourcing your material for this collection?

A lot of research!! I used utilised websites such as aliexpress and alibaba to help me out.

   What inspires you with your brand?

I tend to find my inspiration for Delightful Darling through children’s story books. The launch collection is based on “The Folk of the Faraway Tree” by Enid Blyton. The clothes incorporate many hidden details and features like The Enchanted Forrest itself. I aim to carry the story book theme through out all future collections and base every new collection on a different story book.

Who is your target market?

The target customer is a woman who showcases the same fairy tail style and attitudes that the Delightful Darling holds. Puts great thought into how they visually present themselves and uses their style to express themselves in a way of empowerment. The environment in which the label is aimed at are occasions such as tea and garden parties but also whenever the customer wants to feel “classy and fabulous.”

 

This collection you created something very different with your garments! Tell us.

 

The collection incorporates some detachable accessories such as cuffs and collars. This adding to the wear ability of the collection and also a feminine touch to any outfit . These accessories also carry their own surprise whimsical feature, they are scented with Jasmine. When these accessories are purchased they also come with a small bottle of scented detergent for them to be hand washed with to reinforce the scent.

What gives you inspiration?

As a designer I gain my inspiration from many places. I really like femininity and anything bright and colourful. I love Spring afternoons and fairytales. I remember standing in Lincraft once and getting overly excited about this beautiful rainbow chiffon material that I found. It had immediately reminded me of a butterfly that I had seen, i knew at that moment i had to have it and create something out of it. I ended up buying the whole ten meters that was left of it!

Have you completed any internship? 

Last year I interned for nine weeks at Megan Park. It was a great insight into the industry and networking opportunity.

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

My goal is to develop my label Delightful Darling over the next few years while working for an established designer within the industry to build up my experience. Then ultimately I’d love to work full time on my own independent label.

What fashion designers do you look up to?

There are so many designers that I look up to. One in particular is Melbourne based designer Petrova Hammond, who is the head designer for “Lady Petrova”. I really admire her outlook on the fashion industry and her feminine aesthetic. I actually invited her to the “A Capital Collection” runway that I participated it at the beginning of the year. It was a great opportunity to have a chat to her and hear her advise. I have also invited her to my graduate show at the end of this year and am excited to have her view my collection.

What are your future plans do you wish to achieve?

 

I would love to have Petrova stock the Delightful Darling label in her boutique . This would be a great achievement for me as I feel the label it extremely suited to that environment. I would also like to travel some more and experience all that life has to offer.

Advice for anyone who is currently studying fashion?

Never let an opportunity pass you by!

Special thanks to Hayleah xxx

Models:
Adriana Perri
Lewis Macmaster

Photographer: Ebony Finck
Ebony J Finck Photography

Website
Instagram: Delightful_Darling

casper&pearl

Casper&pearl was created by eighteen year old, self-taught  South Australian designer Stacey Hendrickson in 2011. Since it’s inception, the label has seen itself in international publications and on the backs of celebrities such as Ashley Madekwe, Becca Tobin, Aimee Song and Bambi Northwood-Blyth. In just three short years the brand has emerged itself as the one to watch, being stocked in high profile boutiques across Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada including Urban Outfitters and Revolve Clothing.

In each of casper & pearl’s seasonal collections you will find more than just quirky and creative clothing,
you’ll find a concept and a story that is told through shapes, fabrications and exclusive prints. Metaphors and hidden meanings are encapsulated to create archive pieces of art and expression; worth collecting and cherishing forever. To wear the brand is to embrace an expression of love and personal exploration, each time you slip into one of their pieces, you become a part of an exclusive fanciful world.

With each new season the brand strives to deliver beautiful and high quality product to an ever-growing global fan base. A strong design aesthetic that screams femininity, playfulness and confidence underlies within each collection and resonates with their signature eccentric style. It’s thanks to the design teams’ meticulous eye for detail and innovative ideas that girly girls across the globe can stand out in the crowd.

I personally met Stacey at the Norwood Parades, it was lovely to meet  Stacey and have her story about her brand and  range  story  featured on my blog. Her passion creativity shines out from her collection.
Stacey’s hard work and determination has definitely paid off.

 

What made you create casper&pearl –  Tell us your story and about your brand name.


Casper was my nickname growing up as I was so pale, and Pearl was my best friend’s nickname. We played in paddocks and had tea parties, I see the c&p woman as a girly, fun and sweet spirit, just like a child.


How did you get started in the industry?
I made my own clothing, and then clothing for friends and family. I’m a self taught designer, and just started out by having a market stall at the Gilles St Markets



Have you always wanted to be a fashion designer?


Yes, definitely. I had no other option.



Where did you study fashion?


I studied at TAFE SA for a semester, but I started casper&pearl at the same time so I had to make a decision because I didn’t have time for both.

What is the feeling like seeing your collection on runway?


Amazing – I can’t describe it.


How do you go about sourcing your products?


I make and design my own fabrics.

How long is the process of a Season collection?


About six months?

Where is the final product made?


China

What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer?


Making my day dreams into tangible form.

How and what gives your inspiration for each collection?


Overseas runways, street style, story books, history, art.

Who is your target market?


Feminine and quirky women aged 18-25


How would you describe your personal style? Does it reflect into your designs?


Yes definitely – very bright, colourful and comfortable.


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


Dressing Ashley Madekwe! And being stocked on Nasty Gal


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


I love Christopher Kane and Valentino


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


Don’t give up or listen to people that tell you that you can’t.

Special thanks to  Stacey xx

Website: casperandpearl.com
Instagram: casperandpearl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casperandpearl

2014 AFF Finesse Models Lingerie Showcase Presented By Matrix

 

I had the pleasure of attending Adelaide Fashion Festival 2014 last week.

I flew out from Melbourne Thursday morning to attend the events for the weekend. Adelaide has always been there as when I was a child. I would usually go with my family to vist, as my grandparents are originally from there. The beaches are always such pure bliss, the atmosphere of beach coastal lifestyle. Adelaide really does come alive during summer.

As I arrived on Thursday morning, welcomed by the beautiful sun and blissful breeze air at the airport.

That night I had the honor to attend 2014 AFF Finesse models, presents lingerie showcase present by Matrix vip event. I arrived with my cousin to attend the events with me. We both were very excited feeling the glamour and excitement I felt honored to be attending this beautiful event.

As we arrived at the city warehouse, we were surrounded by other vip fashionistas of South Australia lining up anxiously waiting for what was in store for us. The doors opened and one by one our names were ticked off the list. I walked up the staircase upon entry leading up the gates were covered in ivory. The atmosphere of the evening was a heavenly theme covered in mystical fog with soft blue dimming lights. As we entered the foyer, we were graciously greeted by the silence of angelic angels along with the angelic sounds of the harpist playing her harp.

The mystical fog smoke and dim blue lighting traced through into the main entrance of the warehouse. Keeping in heavenly theme, the runway was covered with dazzling glitter and white pillows of clouds hovering above the runway. By now the guest had thickened up the warehouse, with the buzz of anticipation and chatter with the sipping of flute champagne glasses.

Once photos were taken I sat down in our front row seats awaiting for the show to begin. Suddenly, the dim lights illuminate brighter and the show begins.

Beautiful models begin to parade gorgeous lingerie from delicate pieces to sexy get-ups.
Numerous lingerie designs were presented on the night.
   

Heaven and  Hell 
Men modeled trunks accessorized with devilish horns.
    

And for the FINALE….’touched by an angel’ begins to play.

The spectacular closure of the show features models flaunting angel wings, ranged from sparkles to feathers to the heavenly theme of the event.

     

The showcase was astounding and breathtaking of what was fantasy lingerie. It was an amazing experience to watch such an extraordinary show, one I’ll never forget.

Special thanks to Girl About Town xxx