On Tour
Alicia Sorgiovanni launched her label, On Tour, in August, 2009, after moving from Melbourne to Perth. An interesting decision considering most people make the move over east if they’re considering a career in fashion.
Her designs reflect her rock’n’roll attitude and feature strong shapes, structure, and attention to detail. Inspired by sound, colour, illustration and the surrounding environment, On Tour is a journey between design and music.
The first collection for winter 2010 titled Creature Of The Field is available online at FashionWA.com.
http://ontourdesign.blogspot.com
Natasha Mapleson
According to her website, Natasha’s dream to have her own fashion label began at a young age. It was somewhere between putting on her first fairy costume and purchasing her first Sass & Bide tee. She began sewing at a young age of 13 and after relocating to Perth in 2007; Natasha decided to follow her big dream in a new city.
Setting up shop at the local markets, Natasha made and sold scarves, high waisted skirts and dresses. As the returning customers grew in number and word spread, Natasha launched her first collection, Enchanting Nights, in 2009. Natasha described the collection as colourful and feminine, yet shy and sweet. Her latest collection is proving popular with stronger lines and a harder edge and has just been picked up by online store FashionWA.com.
www.natashamapleson.com.au
Martini + Coz
Martini + Coz is the work of talented designers and friends Erica Allia and Natasha Hinett. Joining forces in January, 2008, their joint passion for fashion, art and music led to their first collection, Martini + Coz – Image of a Girl.
Their designs are inspired by their mutual love affair of taking something old and mixing it with something new. Martini + Coz is for the girl’s girl. My pick? You really can’t go by the Mystic Shoulder Bag with croc embossed leather in Fushia. As seen in Grazia magazine - it’s this winter’s must-have statement bag!
http://martiniandcoz.com.au
Raspberry + Pop
This brand new label, still in its infancy, has been created by Natasha Hinett and Erica Allia - yes the very same duo behind Martini +Coz. Their inspiration? Well it’s derived from another common interest – a love of vintage and op shopping. These clever girls have turned their favourite pastime into a fashion label just for us. Think young, fresh, quirky looks, consisting of pretty florals, soft denims, chiffons and jerseys with simple designs that give you the feeling of easy wearing.
www.fashionwa.com
Harmony and Lawson
Fur is controversial and I, myself, am very torn about the issue. I love the look and feel of fur, but I feel sick to my stomach when I think of the cruelty to animals that this industry supports. In saying that, WA fur label, Harmony and Lawson, make exquisite hand woven fur garments. Oh the dilemma! Their weaving technique creates a lightweight, modern, double sided garment that is just beautiful to wear. Celebs such as Skye Stracke and Kelly Rowland are fans. Kelly purchased a fur vest from the label during her recent visit to Perth.
www.harmonyandlawson.com
Camilla Kaftans
Okay so it’s not a WA brand, it’s not a new discovery and I know we’re in the middle of winter. But Camilla rocks my world. The amazing colours and the prints - Camilla’s designs make me happy just by looking at them. She also knows how to work it - her latest RAFW show was the talk of the town after she sent Avatar inspired models down the runway. Amaze balls. Do yourself a favour and check out her collection immediately if not sooner.
http://www.camilla.com.au
Photo: Martini + Coz