You showed in the AUT Rookie show two years ago, and then did a group show last year which was a huge step for such a recent graduate.  What did you learn from your Fashion Week experience last year that will be influencing how you do things this year?

I learned a lot of things by doing a group show last year and do really recommend doing a group show to newer labels if they are doing their first show. Since it is a group show, you can focus primarily on building your collection. I learnt little things like how to choose models – how many garment changes are needed, especially on the catwalk which is different to lookbook styling. How many garments are needed for the average fashion show, and also how to build show pieces. I also learnt how expensive it can be!

Australian fashion store Blondies placed an order after they saw your clothes in the AUT Rookie show - making you the first ever student to have orders straight off the catwalk! How fast did things start moving from there?

After AUT, I had to find business mentors. I remember it was a holiday for me but didn’t really get to enjoy it – instead I had to find more CMTs who could create my garments and I had to learn how to go about “real production.” After completing my production, I had to sew up all my spring/summer collection samples to sell and I was glad to pick up well established stockists like generalcucumber.com, Plume and Stenbeck&Morse. It gradually got busier from then on. I had to get my first work experience students and think about the real women that I dress. I also found out more about myself as a designer – my signature style and me in general.

What has been the hardest thing to accomplish in the weeks leading up to Fashion Week?

I have to cope with terrible skin and a lack of sleep.

What has been the most fun part of the preparation?

The excitement that comes when I get to sit down and imagine how the garments are going to appear on the catwalk. Seeing the garments talk to each other and getting stronger. And hopefully a holiday that comes afterwards!

How are you going to get through the week leading up to ANZFW?

Lots of Red Bull since they are my sponsor this year. Luckily I have lots of fans who volunteered to help me out – just do it!

Last year you channelled, among other things, Edward Scissorhands - can you give us any hints as to what we will be seeing this year?

The Jaeha princess - I merged everything and created my own princess. That’s all.

You have a line of bags that we hear are stocked exclusively in an L.A boutique - tell us about them please?

They are made especially for L.A boutique H.Lorenzo – there are three different leathers. Croc, Scottish leather, and Ostrich - 60cm long, fully lined with goat skin, with gold chains.

Tell us about your own personal style - what are your top five fashion possessions?

My personal style always changes, I love change. I just got a short haircut so I don’t have to worry about my hair daily at Fashion Week. I tend to wear a t-shirt with black jeans a lot. When I do have to dress up, I like to drape on myself. My top five fashion possessions could be... my Stührling watch, Clinique Happy cologne, Deadly Ponies bag, Alex and Chloe chicken claw necklace, and my Jaeha black luggage cut jeans.

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.

Please login or register.