Best in show
Rosemount Australian Fashion Week starts on Monday. Kat Hartmann makes the catwalk a cakewalk by previewing her pick of the designers on show
By Kat Hartmann
The unorthodox and chaotic cuts of Romance was born
Since founder and CEO Simon Lock launched the first AFW over a decade ago it’s been filled with haute couture, controversy and original innovation. Of course, the controversy has always attracted the most attention – think the RSPCA uproar inspired by the rat-riot that occurred when the Ksubi (then Tsubi) boys sent 169 rodents scuttling down the runway in 2001 (see our exclusive on p12). Not to be deterred by a dicey headline or two – this is fashion dah-ling – AFW returns to the Overseas Passenger Terminal next week.
This year’s fashion week promises a mix of avant garde originality and classic style as a collection of almost 100 established and up-and-coming designers peacock their wares on makeshift catwalks at the OPT, as well as a selection of off-site inspiring venues across the city, including the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. RAFW also expands the boarder lines a little more this year with the inclusion of four New Zealand designers to the schedule, including Kate Sylvester and Auckland buzz girl Alissa Serdoun. Of course the event is still strictly invite only but the run-on effect of such a decadent affair can be seen in galleries, boutiques and bars across the city.
Time Out puts you on the front row by putting together a list of the top six must-own designers showing at this year’s fashion week. We like you (and them) so much we’ll even tell you whose racks you need to raid to add them to your wardrobe.
Romance Was Born
How do we love thee Romance Was Born? Let us count the ways… Romance Was Born was, well, born of the fusion of creative bursts from designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales after they met in design school. Since screaming out onto the Sydney fashion scene in 2005 the RWB duo have continued to challenge the status quo with their delightfully chaotic prints and unorthodox cuts, adorned by Karen O, Debbie Harry, Cyndi Lauper and Lilly Allen. Certainly not for the faint at heart RWB inspires a little adventure in those who adorn their wares. Insider tip for must-watch show at RAFW ‘08.
Available at: Pretty Dog, The Corner Shop, Orson & Blake, Kusbi and Parlour X.
Friedrich Gray
Friedrich Gray is the alter ego creation of one-time New York stylist turned Sydney designer, Ben Pollitt [pictured left]. Occasionally Friedrich meets femme fatale in the form of his sultry woman’s range. This one-time industrial design and building construction student finds inspiration in the moody works of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and Liars. The brooding undertones of Friedrich Gray designs have more recently earned Pollitt the Woolmark New Designer Award at LMFF and a SOYA award.
Available: Incu, The Corner Shop, Dobry Den and Capital L
James Cameron
James Cameron deals in the creation of simply stylish threads. Each of the Melbournian’s pieces reflect his desire to create clothing that is uncomplicated and elegant, with strong lines and tailored cuts. It just begs to be adorned for those days spent dreaming of (or sailing on) on yachts followed by evenings spent in sipping bold sangioveses in wine bars.
Available: www.jamescameron.com.au
ANT!PODIUM
They may only be babies as far as their Australian ANT!PODIUM design life is concerned but Geoffrey J Finch, Ashe Peacock and sister Fenella Peacock are no strangers to the world of peacocking. Already stocked in 100 stores across 11 countries this (mostly) London-based, 100 per cent Australian-made label has already trodden the boards of London Fashion week. Their newest cheekily simplistic Australian range ‘Don’t Mind if I Do’ nods at nautical in the most preppy and feminine ways.
Available: The Corner Shop, Orson & Blake and Incu
TV
Vice has noticed TV, so has Cream, Oyster, Attitude, Harpers, Frankie and Dazed & Confused. Needless to say this are a label worth all the fuss. The technology is in the cuts with this Melbourne-based duo. Designers Monika Tywanek and Ingrid Verner delight in combining techy tailoring with fabrics more closely connected to the earthy side of creation. After having more recently migrated into Sydney stores you can be sure you’ll be seeing plenty more square-eyed enthusiasts in seasons to come.
Available: The Corner Shop, Orson & Blake and Incu
Kat Hartmann - www.kluster.com.au