Stage Label MSFW 2014
It was an unbelievable privilege to be invited to one of Melbourne’s exclusive Fashion shows - STAGE LABEL MSFW. Collaborated with the elite A list of who’s who in this iconic industry held in the regal palace namely, the MON BIJOU overlooking Melbourne’s vivid lights.
As the elevator doors slowly opened, my eyes gazed towards the opulence of the carefully created scene. The adrelenin of countless guests waltzing around the shimmering room tapping cheek to cheek with fancy cocktails in hand to mark their territory. We were cordially welcomed by beautiful host Letitia Sindt and Liam Hall and with a gracious greeting from CEO Rohit Bhargava.
What made this event up close and personal was the interactive show case. Interactive you ask? Yes, guests flocked to communicate contentedly to designer’s who were mingling and happy to tell their stories around the plush busy suite. Engagement with the closeness of striking models professionally strutting on and off the narrow runway was breathtaking. The aroma of the fabrics swishing in the air as models raced past me was spectacular. The norm for these events you would be a part of the audience observing designer’s collection, not at this event, you were part of this stunning show. Excitingly gathering my thoughts walking up the staircase, people were whooshing past to make their statements to finalize last minute details. Throughout the evening I tapped shoulders with proprietor Mike of the successful Toni and Guy salons from St Kilda and Armadale as well as the prosperous Toni and Guy team also from St Kilda and Armadale locations. Thanks to Mike a backstage VIP pass was issued to me and did I grasp the opportunity to investigate the vibe. Backstage I had the prospect to meet another icon designer, Brittany, whom I will be featuring on my blog at a later stage.
The show had begun with models boasting each designer’s unique collection gliding down the runaway. I loved every moment of this extraordinaire showcase. Each designer showcased during the evening is featured in an interview steered by ROHIT below.
About Stage Label Rohit Bhargava, StageLabel’s Creator and CEO, noticed countless talented designers were struggling to gain recognition in the highly competitive fashion industry. After witnessing himself that many of his peers unsuccessfully beginning their own label. Rohit had a vision and stage was born.
launching in November 2013 StageLabel has already signed over 85 designers across Australia to it’s unique platform and will be launching international designers to our platform in the near future.
How does it work?
StageLabel provides pathways for our designers. StageLabel connects emerging designers with a fashion forward community, who get to select which designers and garments are going to be successful on the platform, and in return, receive an early access period to pre-order limited run, custom made items as well as additional rewards and discounts for the first few backers for each Project.
It is a unique “crowd-funding for fashion” platform where fashion brands and labels can test, validate and fund individual designs from their collection, while giving members from our community access to unique, limited edition garments
Unlike traditional crowd-funding platforms, StageLabel aims to solve barriers faced specifically in the fashion industry.Where most crowd-funding platforms are used as a one-off source for an initial capital injection for a label, StageLabel helps designers test the market for individual designs from their collection pre-production
Focusing on working primarily with emerging designers, This allows designers to be smarter with the way they invest their limited capital and by providing the funds for the entire production run by pre-selling garments, we remove all the risks associated with creating and holding a large inventory of items.
In a short time since the début Stage Label. It has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s fastest growing and most exciting start up company. Recent achievements “Top 10 start ups to watch in 2014” Congratulations to the team. I cant wait to see this brand achieve more everyday helping others achieve their dream in the industry.
BACKSTAGE
Behind the scenes the crew from TONI & GUY. Fresh from the UK runway hairstyles. The team did a superb job with creating all the hairstyles for the show at stage label on the night.
May I add the most friendliest hairdressers I have met. All had such beautiful personalities it was a pleasure to had met them all.
Rex chan Photography
Special thanks to CEO Rohit Bhargava for supplying me with these interviews of each desinger on the night. Like what you see? Head to https://www.stagelabel.com/projects to purchase your favourite garments from the night! As well all links to garments are below each photo.
Danielle Power-Silk
Your name: Danielle Power-Silk
Name of your label: Danielle Power-Silk
How the label started/ how long it has been around for:I've been designing since high school. I haven't launched my label yet.
Your background:
New Zealand fashion designer now based in Melbourne. I have shown several of my own designs at New Zealand Fashion Week with one winning a highly commended award. I have also made it to the finals in two design competitions in New Zealand.
Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection: I have not released a collection yet. I am showing two of my designs from New Zealand Fashion Week. One of my dresses is inspired by the 1950s, my fur trim coat is inspired by Louise Brooks and Dita Von Teese, my monochrome print jacket is inspired by Chanel
Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/1950s-inspired-dress-by-dps
Left Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/monochrome-print-jacket-by-dps Center Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/return-to-glamour-by-dps Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/1950s-inspired-dress-by-dps
Left Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/monochrome-print-jacket-by-dps Right Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/dps-blouse
Your name: Samantha Lentini
Name of your label: s.L.c The Label
Stands for: Samantha Lentini Creative
How the label started/ how long it has been around for?
Started working on it in Jan 2014, launched online store in June, 2014. ! !
Your background in fashion?
After graduating with a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) in 2012 at accredited Australian fashion institution RMIT, Samantha Lentini, the brains behind s.L.c, dabbled in many types of fashion. It was not until her graduate year when a like for creating fully functional clothing with slight quirky accent was discovered
s.L.c the label began its conception when a considerable gap was discovered within the Australian fashion market for flatteringly comfortable and easy-to-wear garments with an understandable price-tag.
Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection?
Through pattern placement, fabric selection & overall cut, s.L.c seeks to create a look that is highly C.C.C: Clean, Cool & Comfortable. Furthermore, it prides itself on its highly creative design process. All prints are derived from Samantha's original hand-drawn illustrations which have been resolved with necessary technical modifications.
This collection is heavily underpinned by three things: wearability, comfort and form. It works under the strong belief that style is & should always remain easy.
Things to not forget My digital prints are 100% original, derived from my own hand-drawn illustrations. I proudly manufacture in Australia
The line box crew : https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-box-crew
Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee
Left Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-muscle-tee Center The Line Box Crew: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-box-crew Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee
Left Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-raglan
Styling tip: Pop them on with basic bottoms (leathers, denims, marl greys) and you're good to go!
Kev Koyu: KKOYU
Your name : Kev koyu
Name of your label : Kkoyu
How the label started/ how long it has been around for :I am currently working on launching my label, as it is now progress. I have started last year after I registered as a designer at fashion gala ( butterfly foundation) charity event.
Your background: Currently studying fashion design and technology at RMIT. I've realized how much I wanted this and, now, working to hopefully towards launching my label. As I am still 19 years old, I have a lot to learn. I do not want rush into something that is beyond my reach. I am Ambitiously working hard, experiencing and learn about the fashion industry.
My vision for KKOYU is to depict modesty and sophistication. I truly believe modesty is a way of elegance and class. It is what every woman should have.
Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection
This mini collection is based on the inner beauty of flower. I am inspired by flower movement of wind, layers and the shaping of variety of flowers. I've looked into monet garden as a research. When females wear these pieces I want them to embrace their inner beauty. regardless of age or time we should always be beautiful in what we wear, this range truly depicts the feminine nature within us.
Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/flap-stripe-t-shirt Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/monet-skirt Center Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/panel-dress
Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/flap-stripe-t-shirt Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/monet-skirt
Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress
Left Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress
Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/panel-dress
Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/leafy-top
Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/leafy-skirt
Styling tip: Whilst I was designing these looks, i wanted to suit wide range of customers. So with each garment you can dress it up or down changes to your event. A pair of suede heels and oversize coat, or nike sneakers under the pedal dress. Will look great either way. The colour platte is neutral so embrace bright colours through your lipstick choice or accessory choices.
Ashleigh Becker: AshMaybe
Your name: Ashleigh Becker
Name of your label: Ash MayBe
How the label started/ how long it has been around for: Since the end of 2013, after I finished university
Your background: I have always been a creative person, but came to focus on fashion, probably because of my love for clothes. I studied at RMIT, and now have a Bachelor in Applied Science - Fashion Technology. This course gave me the skills and knowledge to start my own label.! Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection: I love working with bright coloured fabrics, and combining two fabrics within a garment. The two dresses are a perfect example of this. The t-shirt and playsuit were inspired by all the mesh that is around at the moment, and combining two textures within a garment, instead of colours.
Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-stripes
Garments from left to right Dress (sunglass print) : https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-sunnies Playsuit: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/victoria-playsuit Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/elizabeth-tee Dress (stripes): https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-stripes
A styling tip for each piece: The Majorca dresses can be worn casually on a summers day, paired with black sandals and accessories. Or dressed up for a night out, with some sleek heels, and a black clutch. Similarly, the Elizabeth Tee can be dressed up, or down. It would look great with some denim shorts, or leather-look leggings, and heels. The Victoria Playsuit is more suited as eveningwear, with some elegant heels, black clutch, and subtle jewellery.
Left Playsuit: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/victoria-playsuit Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/elizabeth-tee
Brittney Hunt: Brittney Ann
Your name: Brittney Hunt Label name: Brittney Ann
How the label started/ how long has it been around for: Brittney Ann is a relatively new label and was only started this year
Back ground: I have always been interested and intrigued by fashion and have currently studied the Advanced Diploma of fashion design and technology at Kangan Institute. When finishing school I aim to produce and sell my own brand of clothing under Brittney Ann and to eventually open up my very own shop in Melbourne.
Inspiration: I was originally inspired by texture for this collection as you can see in the velvet jackets and the dots on the minky dot dress. It was then I experimented in weaving and was taught by an aboriginal elder to weave baskets out of matt rush grass, I then interpreted this technique into my own style, hence where the grass top and hats were born. This collection is based on textural fabrics, androgynous silhouettes with elegant touches such as open backs and ambiguous darts.
Styling tips: The ready wear pieces can be styled together for day or night. With exception of the grass woven top which is an avant-garde piece and she only be worn on special occasions.
Having been told by Brittney herself backstage, about her exquisite collection she had created. I was literally blown away by her hand crafted garments & pieces the texture and feel was divine giving it more appeal to her collection
Left Woven grass top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/woven-grass-top Pants: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/gor-pant Right Hat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/grass-hat Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/little-black-dress Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/teal-velvet-jacket
Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/white-minky-dot-dress Hat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/small-grass-hat Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/velvet-coat
Emma Lockey - EMMA LOCKEY
Your name: Emma Lockey
Name of your label: EMMA LOCKEY
How the label started/ how long it has been around for? This is a new start up company, launching its first collection with Stage Label during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2014
Fashion Background:
I am a Fashion Design and Technology student at Kangan Institute Richmond, doing my final year of the Advanced Diploma. Colour has always inspired me and I love to experiment with different textures, colours and patterns. Having grown up in Singapore i was immersed in different cultures this influenced and inspired an oriental touch throughout most collections. I’ve always been involved in theatre – both acting and costume design which has informed my approach to fashion design – bringing an element of the theatrical to everyday.
Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection?
Inspired by the 60s Beatle mania, flower power and a kaleidoscope of colour. This collection – Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds brings colours and patterns inspired from the Beatles song – so Picture yourself in a boat on a river. With tangerine trees and marmalade skies. Close fitting faux suede bustier and a knit dress or top, teamed with quilted metallic highlighted separates. These combine to carry you through from the office into the night with an exciting range of looks to make heads turn
LSD collection is all about having fun – bringing colour to winter, and being adaptable and versatile. This collection moves from day to night and can be accessorised with casual flat shoes or heels, but pair the collection with high platforms to fully compliment its 60s origins. Similarly have fun with hair and makeup – tease up hair and line and shadow eyes to bring flower power back!! !
Corset: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/suede-corset Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/quilted-metallic-mini-skirt
Corset: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/suede-corset Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/quilted-metallic-mini-skirt
Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/lucy-in-the-sky-with-diamonds-knit-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/beehive-skirt Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/kaleidoscope-coat
Helani Sarath- Kumara: Gather & Stitch
Your name: Helani Sarath-Kumara
Name of your label: Gather and Stitch
How the label started/ how long it has been around for: I started Gather and Stitch in 2010 about 6 months after finishing a degree in Visual Communication at UTS. In 2009 when I was visiting Sri Lanka, I was in a rural village where they did not have enough money to finish building a building to teach children (after school tuition given free of charge to monetarily disadvantaged children). I saw this building at the time and wondered if there was anything we could do back in Australia to help out. I started planning a fashion show to raise the money and also to launch the label. I created Gather and Stitch in order to do the fashion show and it took off after that. On the 29th of August 2010, the fashion show raised $5000 (the building is finished now!) and attracted 315 guests.! !
The fashion show was co organised by my now husband, his expertise and know-how contributed heavily to its success. There was also around 52 friends who helped make that day work from sound to make-up to backstage - everything happened because of them. For the last 4 years I have created a studio from home and use this as the base for Gather and Stitch. It has grown into a couture fashion label, as well as including hair and make-up artistry as a service.! !
Your background: Background in Design - Bachelor of Visual Communication @ University of Technology Sydney. ! !
Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection: Summer sunsets, ice-cream, the beautiful 'blues' and 'pinks' the sky and ocean make at dusk.
When each garment arrived out on the runway. The elegance to each garment came alive, the beautifully textured lace garments each piece was so gently and beautifully created. It had a romantic and elegant vibe to each.
Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/golden-caramel-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/golden-carmel-skirt
Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt
Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt
Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt
Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-mint-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-skirt
Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-mint-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-skirt
Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/cotton-candy-skirt
Styling tips:
Sweet Strawberry Top with Strawberry Sorbet Skirt is Best worn - together with cream/nude heels
Sweet Strawberry Top - Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt Strawberry Sorbet Skirt - Can be worn as seen OR with tight or loose top that is plain or patterned to match Mint Sorbet Top with Cotton Candy Skirt is best worn - together with cream/nude heels
Sweet Strawberry Top - Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt
Strawberry Sorbet Skirt - Can be worn as seen OR with tight or loose top that is plain or patterned to match
Strawberry Mint Top with Mint Sorbet Skirt is best worn - together with cream/nude heels
Sweet Strawberry Top - Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt.Best worn together with gold or nude heels Golden Carmel Skirt - best worn with Golden Carmel Top
Le blonde Fox xx