Sydney's Hottest Up and Coming Designers
Rhiannon Elston looks at the next generation of Sydney designers
Saint Augustine Academy
For someone who has dressed some of the biggest bands in the world,
Alvin Manalo is a pretty chilled out guy. "I am a total band-whore,"
says the main man behind the label. "Part of the reason I'm designing
clothes is that so I can dress my heroes." The strategy seems to be
working. Bands like The Horrors, The Killers, The Rapture and
Wolfmother are all scrambling for a piece of the Saint Augustine
wardrobe, and it's not hard to see why. With mod, psychedelic, punk and
shoegaze influences, this is a label made to stand out from the crowd.
Saint Augustine Academy, 642 Bourke St, Surry Hills 2010. (02 9690 2863)
Le Black Book
Kath Purkis' online fashion portal started from a simple dream: to
provide an online shopping alternative aimed at a savvy market. "A lot
of women are time-poor these days, so online shopping really makes
sense." With a range of familiar designers, comprehensive styling tips
and a refreshing returns policy, suddenly trudging through the shops
for hours doesn't seem so appealing. The trick to online shopping, says
Kath, is to tune into the finer details. "One of the benefits of the
site is the styling tips, the little images, details such as how many
buttons it has. But also people are really learning to trust the
designers they love, and they know what works for them."
Le Black Book
Matt Huynh
Matt Huynh's quirky illustrations take their cue from the energetic
brushstrokes of storybook comics.His detailed artworks are social
snapshots as well as being visually captivating. "Much of my work
concerns issues on identity. I've grown up in suburbia and find it full
of endless weirdness and contradictions." From clouds of fiery
elephants to a labyrinth of wooden doors, the surreal and imagined meet
the everyday and routine. Having recently won a travelling scholarship
as part of Sydney Design 08, his work has come a long way from sleepy
lawnmower land resulting in his new collaboration entitled ‘Midnight
Morning'.
Matt Huynh
Midnight Morning is available from Ariel Booksellers, 42 Oxford St, Paddington 2021 (02 9332 4581)
Zoemou
The earthiness of leather combined with the symmetry of art noveau
makes Zoe Sernack's jewellery range both beautifully eye-catching and
easy to wear. "Because they're leather, they're very lightweight around
your neck. I love working with materials that have been out for ages,
and that you don't often see people wearing as jewellery. Each piece is
inspired by botanical themes without being overtly floral. I've had
people tell me they look like bees or flowers, but a lot of people see
a lot of things in them. I think that's because they're so symmetrical
that they can do things to your eyes."
Zoemou (0411 610 200)
DavisEyes
DavisEyes is a label that demands attention. According to creator
and chief designer Justine Davis, it's luxe without the fur, glam
without the tack and a whole lot of punk-filled attitude. Perth-born,
Darlington-based Davis conceived the idea right out of high school when
she saw/created a gap in the market for modern Japanese inspired
womenswear that walks the line between edgy and alluring. "The label is
inspired by bringing two cultures together each season to create a
unique fantasy character. The idea is that most pieces can be dressed
up or down, you can wear one of the street style dresses with flats and
tights on a summer's afternoon kicking back with friends. Or you could
throw on some heels and you're ready for a night out."
DavisEyes (02 9699 2308)