Youth brigade at AFW convey adaptability & realism trends
02 May '06
5 min read
With support of her new business partner Shannon Stoddart, 35-year-old Torres feels confident to launch her signature label, already available in every Australian capital city, within a year.
"With I Peck Your Pun we had always wanted to do a collection at Fashion Week but this time it has happened," she says with glee.
Micaela Ezra - Trend runs in the blood for one of the hottest new names to know. Having watched her cousin Josh Goot's rapid climb in Australian fashion during the past year, Micaela Ezra has learned to make the most of every chance that comes her way.
Ezra completed her fashion design course last year, winning student of the year, the inaugural Campari awards and an exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum.
She's making her Australian Fashion Week debut on Sunday afternoon as part of the five group show by graduates of the famed Sydney TAFE Design Studio.
Ezra channels the pressure of her own achievements and family connections to fairly engulf her, "It's a little bit frightening but it's also exciting," she says.
After combining her fashion studies with a commerce degree, this savvy 24-year-old from Sydney's eastern suburbs is ready to break into the commercial empire with a collection of 20 looks between high-end women's evening and dressy day wear.
"If someone is interested in ordering, that can definitely happen," Ezra says. "Even the one-off garments can be specially made for retail."
Ezra specializes in silk-based textiles, digitally printed fabrics based on her own artwork and handmade lace created from "connecting little snippets together".
On the runway, this equates to cocktail dresses, kimono tops, skirts and cardigans, fusing the handmade with the hi-tech in a move that would make her cousin proud. "Josh told me: 'Believe in what you're doing, have confidence and enjoy the process,"' she says.
Illionaire - Similar to swimwear, denim has been another tough portray for international buyers at Australian Fashion Week, so it's no surprise to see street wear brand Illionaire at Sunday's New Generation emerging designer showcase. Ben Huber and Daniel Hernandez have immense liking for denim.
Now the self-taught duo are ready to take up a mark, expanding their core range while considering other opportunities, to flex fine arts background, architectural skills for a spin.
On the runway this weekend that means more labour-intensive designs.
"For women, there are overlapping dresses, and for men it's more complicated, very textured and in your face," Hernandez says. With the promise of childrenswear and home furnishings in the future, nothing is out of the question for these big-talking designers who run a studio in the heart of Sydney's rag-trade district, Surry Hills.
"We want to go for gold," Hernandez says. "We don't just want to be a clothes company. Look at Versace and Armani."
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