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Interview

Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Interview

ZhangPasi

June 24
A male and female model walking through the State theatre in elegant clothing

 

Cissy Zhang and Warren Pasi sitting on a marina in Sydney for a style shoot for their blog

ZhangPasi Duo. Boy in the black Bow Tie and Girl in the Bunny Ears.

 

I think fashion bloggers have unconsciously bridged the gap between what has always seemed untouchable and created a fashion language everyone can understand.

 

This week I caught up with ZhangPasi, the Sydney “brother & sister” blogging duo, Warren Pasi, Boy in the black Bow Tie and Cissy Zhang, Girl in the Bunny Ears.  If you were at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Sydney this year you may have seen them front row yourself!

We chatted about all things fashion and the importance of the emerging and ever changing role of the fashion blogger and other style influencers. We dreamed a little about building meaningful and beneficial collaborations between designers, bloggers, creative teams, and industry professionals in order to bridge the gap between industry and consumers. I think we are beginning to see the importance of breaking down some barriers and having an open and honest conversation about the state of the industry and what we can all do to create a more prosperous one.  For Australian fashion to thrive again it is essential that we support our local Australian industry by purchasing and proudly wearing their designs. Anyone that knows me is aware that I believe we have the best designers in the world … 

It was wonderful to connect with fashion enthusiasts who love the Australian fashion industry almost as much as I do.

Welcome to our little revolution.

Jade xx

 

What inspired you to be fashion bloggers?

CZ

I would always be flipping through Vogue looking at the editorials and one day decided to create my own to be creative and show my personal work to the world.

WP

I really just fell into fashion blogging after studying fashion design.

LM

How did you come to work together as the ZhangPasi duo?

CZ & WP

We actually met at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2014.  Although our blogging personas are brother and sister, we are not actually related! We did our first collaboration in late 2014, wearing Lobelia Couture and Vivienne Westwood and a pair of bunny ears each. It was such a great shoot. Every time we worked together, we were completely in sync and had the same vision for our blogs. We decided to become a blogging duo in March 2015.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Interview, MBFW

One Fell Swoop

June 23
Model walking and being photographed in the full sunlight against a white wall wearing a black pant and black winter jacket with white shirt and heels

“All my pretty ones? Did you say all? O hell-kite! All? What, all my pretty chickens and their dam at one fell swoop?”

– Shakespeare Hamlet

Photo of a model standing against a white wall with head tilted towards the sun in a multi coloured dress and bare arms and legs

Photographer: Sanny Chong MUA: Bev Wood Model: Erin Hannah Production: Jacqui Brown for The Studio

 

LM

What is the philosophy behind your label?

OFS

To make clothes that are feminine and desirable.

We focus on wear-ability and tailoring, and aim to create garments that fall effortlessly around the body. We love Western Australia; its attitude, its culture and its landscapes. We just try to embody our beautiful lifestyle into a beautiful garment.

LM

What is the inspiration behind your label?

OFS

Shakespeare used the imagery of a hunting bird’s ‘fell swoop’ to indicate the ruthless and deadly attack by Macbeth’s agents. This old world and savage definition of the phrase, being rapid and fierce action, defines One Fell Swoop. Justifying our belief in the idea that beauty is often born from tragedy.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Interview, Models, Paris Fashion Week, Styling

An Hour with … Hanna Marie

June 12

We all need to realise that making it in the fashion industry isn’t easy for anyone, and we should support each other as we go on our own individual journeys. If everyone was super supportive of each other, imagine what we could all achieve!

 

Hanna Marie, Sydney model being photographed outside in desert style photograph with blue sky behind

Photographer: Tannar Eacott Hair: Peachies Hair MUA: Beth Murphy Stylist: Spinal Style

LM

Who are the people within your industry that inspire you and that you admire?

HM

People like Steph Claire Smith and Mimi Elashiry are my biggest role models because they are both highly successful in their own fields. Even though they may not have reached the ‘supermodel’ status, they are making a strong name for themselves within their circle.

LM

As a young woman, what do you think of today’s street fashion?

HM

Today’s street fashion is so different than previous years/trends. Because its winter, it seems like a lot of people are sticking with shades of cool and playing it safe. I would prefer to see a few more risks!

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Australian Fashion Industry, Global Fashion Industry, Interview, Models

Model Mini Moment … Elise Faust

June 6

 

Photograph of Elise Faust. Face shot. Vivienne's Model.

Elise Faust. Photography by Yazzi Williams.

 

Shopping for clothes and shoes is one of her favourite things to do. She is constantly buying new items and says about herself, that she “just can’t get enough”.

LM

Who are the people from whom you take inspiration and whom do you most admire within your industry?

EF

I take inspiration from Cara Delevingne. I also admire Jennifer Hawkins for her achievement in winning Miss Universe and being able to branch into other areas of the industry through having her own brand of swimwear – COZI by Jennifer Hawkins.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Interview, Models

An Hour With … Emelia Roberts

May 28
Emelia Roberts urban photo shoot sitting on the curb in a suburban street in wet look pants and beenie

 

Social media has encouraged the population to gain a greater access to ideas and looks. I love the fact that social media has contributed so powerfully to the fashion industry.

 

Emelia Roberts standing next to a graffiti wall of colour in an urban street on a modelling shoot

LM

Who are the people from whom you take inspiration and whom do you most admire within your industry?

ER

I love Elle McPherson. She is gorgeous. Every photo is a great shot and on the catwalk she is mesmerizing. I admire her business concepts – her latest, super Elixir, which is an alkalizing drink remedy. Other models I love are quirky Mimi Elashiry and Steph Claire Smith. Both are famous on Instagram.

LM

What do you think of today’s street fashion?

ER

I love how social media has changed and developed street fashion. I love the look because it’s sassy, chic and easy.

LM

What is your advice to young women and the way they dress?

ER

Always wear clothes that make you feel confident and follow your own rules.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Global Fashion Industry, Interview

Lady like Leopard

May 26
Picture of The Lady like Leopard blogger

 

Less is more – always. But let’s make this clear: I don’t mean less clothing…

and, as Karl Lagerfeld said, “If you’re not willing to have an ongoing dialogue with fashion, get another job.”

 

 

Bloggers: The Prep Guy and The Lady Like Leopard sitting at the House of Mackage show in Canada

The Prep Guy and The Lady like Leopard at the House of Mackage show in Canada

LM

What is the philosophy behind your work?

LLL

Everything and anything fashion! With my blog The Lady-like Leopard I hope to bring people together through fashion and give people an inside perspective to what the fashion industry is all about.

LM

What is the inspiration behind your work?

LLL

I first studied fashion design in Canada and then journalism at Macley College in Sydney. I wanted to combine my two areas of study and so starting a fashion blog seemed like a natural thing to do. Well, that and I’ve been obsessed with working for a fashion magazine since I was a kid so this is like my own little magazine.

LM

Who are the people from whom you take inspiration and whom do you most admire within your industry?

LLL

I admire anyone who is willing to put in endless hours of hard work to achieve their goals and dreams. I’ve met people who start a fashion blog and then quit because it’s “too much work”. You have to be prepared for that. I love the photos that Sydney Fashion Blogger takes and JetSet Justine’s style.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Interview

Aurelio Costarella

May 16
Aurelio Costarella Rondine Dress

I don’t subscribe to ‘FAST’ fashion or what I like to refer to as “landfill” fashion … cheap, disposal and anything but sustainable.

LM

What is the philosophy and inspiration behind your label?

AC

I am inspired by vintage finds, listening to their stories, letting the memories unfold. Legendary Hollywood starlets and random songs on my iTunes. I am driven by the design process, each thematic collection is an exploration that moves seamlessly from one season to the next.  I  focus on textile development, detailed cutting and quality craftsmanship.

With a distinctive handwriting that ranges from trademark delicate silk chiffon gowns, intricate handcrafted beadwork, embroidery and sharp tailored suits, the Aurelio Costarella brand is a luxurious offering of classic pieces with a contemporary edge.

This same philosophy is employed across all marketing and branding ideas, imagery and events.

LM

Who are the people from whom you take inspiration and whom do you most admire within your industry?

AC

The 1920’s was a revolutionary era for fashion and signalled a far more modern way of dressing. Women were no longer restrained by corsetry. The silhouette changed to allow a softer approach. The introduction of bold colours and embellishments allowed women far more flexibility, creativity and freedom in the way they dressed.  Garments became far more opulent and experimental thanks to the likes of designers such as Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Commentary, Interview, MBFW

Backstage at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2015 … with Serpent and the Swan

April 30
Model standing, ready and waiting backstage at Serpent and the Swan

… inspired by a shared childhood love of the animal kingdom and a somewhat dark and morbid fascination with the anatomy of creatures and their mystical incarnations.

Three models at Serpent and the Swan backstage before the show

Runway Ready.

During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year, I was privileged to be able to interview some of Australia’s most iconic designers. These interviews will make up a series of articles which will appear on the Label Ministry website in an effort to bring awareness, greater popularity and support to people who year in, year out, dedicate their creative minds and talents to the Australian fashion industry.

This weeks expose is Serpent and the Swan, a Sydney label which has now maintained a strong following and significant foothold within our industry since 2009.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Commentary, Interview, MBFW

Stevie May

April 30
Two models sitting on a table before the show at Stevie May

 

I have a lot in common with Stevie. We’re both relaxed in our styling but we’re also conscious of elements like form and texture. I love the idea of being friends with Stevie. She’s a cool chick!

One of the most exciting things about attending Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year was the opportunity I had to interview the designer behind Stevie May, Cassie Vecchione.

Cassie who lives in Byron Bay, travelled to Sydney to unveil her first collection for the label, Stevie May admist the hype of fashion week.

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Australian Fashion Industry, Bloggers, Editorial, Interview, MBFW

MBFW 2015 Serpent & The Swan, Stevie May, Watson X Watson

April 22
Model standing being photographed for Serpent and the Swan

 

From the editor’s desk …

Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.  Gianni Versace

Well, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia has drawn to a close!

Label Ministry interviewed many wonderful designers across the week at Carriageworks in Sydney’s Everleigh. These will be on the website very soon.

Here is a little peep at who you can expect to see showcased in the upcoming interviews which will include fantastic runway coverage and an intimate discussion with the designers themselves.

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