S.Wallis
S.Wallis is a Melbourne label that creates limited high end quality pieces. Created by the unique fashion duo Shakeera Wallis and Emily Nasr. Together the two are the ultimate master minds of simplistic classic beautiful designs for any wardrobe.
They source the highest quality of fabrics and materials from around the world for their collection consisting of cotton, wool and silk. Their designs are classic quality versatile investment pieces, without the hefty price tag.
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Head Designer of S Wallis Emily Nasr answered some of my curious questions about being an independent Melbourne label.
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
I instinctively knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a fashion designer. As a child, I created clothes for my Barbie dolls (it didn’t take me too long to realise the inefficiency of sewing clothes directly on to a doll). At 12 years old, I decided I was going to do a BA in fashion design at RMIT and that’s what I did. As I said it was Instinctive.
How would you describe your own personal style? Do you find this bleeds into your collections?
Carefree spontaneity balanced with a classic tailored aesthetic, in a nutshell. I have a love for combining interesting textiles and prints, this is definitely reflected in my collections.
Describe the quintessential ’S. Wallis Girl’…
The 'S.Wallis girl' is a woman that understands fashion but isn't consumed by it. Elegant of mind and classic in nature. Adventurous. A seeker.
Your first two collections have a particularly nostalgic theme in common, is this this something you will carry through to your next collection or are you looking for new inspiration?
The nostalgic theme is inherent to our brand DNA but we are always evolving with each season! Spring Summer 2015/16 references the seventies; re-imagined into contemporary and feminine silhouettes.
Do you create your own textile prints or source them from elsewhere?
We actually do both. Some are created in house and others are sourced from specialist print designers in Milan, London and NYC, which are exclusive to S.Wallis.
Tell us a little bit about your process in fashioning a collection - from concept to design and creation?
Behind the scenes is certainly not as glamorous as people think, this is a common misconception. Below is a basic outline of our design & development process:
Research & fabric sourcing
Mood board to set the look and feel of the range
Presentation to the team
Design, colour palette & fabric allocation
Range review, pricing and sign off
Specification sheets sent to factory
Fits and fit comments
Salesman samples for wholesale orders
Seasonal Photoshoot
Final range review
Place orders for Bulk
Shipment samples to be sent & approved
Delivery into warehouse
Stock allocation for stores & wholesale
What difficulties have you encountered in creating your own brand?
As a small independent label there are a lot of factors beyond our control that present a number of challenges. Some examples of this are: Supplier minimums, a lack of resources, a limited distribution network and competing with large multi-national companies.
If you could give your younger self career advice, what would it be?
To have the courage to do what you love and if something doesn't feel right trust your instincts!
Five Favourites:
Food: Chocolate
Song: Reckoner by Radiohead
Scent: Hermes
Piece of Clothing: Our Heritage Milano Camel Trench
Way to Relax: A glass of Red wine & a film
Website: www.s-wallis.com
Special thanks to
Shakeera Wallis , Emily Nasr and Chantal.
xxx