INTERVIEW: Gypsea Paradise 14/15

'Mayan': Mayan feathers from the rain-forests of Mexico & the Mayan Ruins

'Dino': The minerals 

'Zeepop': double exposed zebras and poppies 

'Nicobar': Nicobar Pigeon from the Andomon Island & Malaysia 

Known for their original and vibrant prints, Gypsea Swimwear's newest 2014/15 collection 'Paradise' showcases the brand's love of nature and design. This Western Australian label has come a long way since their runway debut at 2013 Australian Fashion Week by designing swimwear that's unique in print and cut yet flattering to the female form.

Zebra & Poppies Double Exposure by Misha Ashton Moore

But even after finding success designer Emma Jones and surf photographer Scott Bauer, who run this business together, has not strayed from their design DNA. Gypsea is still that label which merges swimwear with exquisite photography shot by Bauer and other talented photographers and artists.



Such is the importance of original photography that Gypsea has an artist program to support local and international talent. The idea is to accept artists to 'collaborate with Gypsea ... creating a unique piece of wearable art'. This collection features the work of Misha Ashton Moore, Darrell Gulin and Stan and Kaisa Breeden.

Previously I had the pleasure to interview Bauer after the label's debut. This time I catch up with him to talk about the new collection.
These are his thoughts:

On inspiration: "I'm very much an outdoors person, so nature is a big inspiration. This particular collection is very much inspired by my upbringing, from North Western Australia with the Karijini and Ningalo prints." 

On the prints: "The minerals, I've always been amazed by at a young age, the textures and colours are so unique. The feather prints are inspired by amazing Rainforests; Paradise Lost is from the Amazon, Bird of Paradise is from Papua New Guinea, Nicobar is from around the Andamon Islands and Malaysia and Mayan is from the rainforests of Mexico where the Mayan Ruins are." (see photo captions for print information)

Mayan feather by Darrell Gulin 

On designing new cuts: "We're constantly evolving and the ultimate goal is to produce new, contemporary swimwear that is very flattering but also have those staples that we are known for." 

On challenges: "I think sometimes the biggest challenge is to narrow the range down enough so the collections aren't so big. We get so excited it's easy to get out of hand." 

On partnership: "Emma and I work so well now and the design process we have so much fun with." 

'Mayan': Mayan feathers from rain forests of Mexico and the Mayan Ruins 

'Paradise Lost': Macaw Feathers from the Amazon  

'Nicobar': Nicobar Pigeon from the Andomon Islands & Malaysia 

Picture Source: http://www.gypsea.com.au

By Sharon Jiang 

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A Raw Story: Krystle Knight Jewellery

I have had a soft spot for raw crystal jewellery ever since the trend took off. Regardless of whether or not you believe in its powers, admittedly wearing a chunk of crystal does look pretty cool.

Designer Krystle Knight began her eponymous label after being "inspired by the exquisite elemental beauty which surrounds her". The label specialises in creating raw crystal pieces in brass and sterling silver. Today Knight talks about her brand and the spiritual connection she feels with the stones she works with.

1. Describe how Krystle Knight began. 

After working in fashion for seven years, it was a natural progression. I’ve always had a love for jewellery and also for crystals, so it made sense to be able to bring both of those loves together.

I am inspired by everything from photography, the ocean, an endless summer, and the simple natural beauty of the crystals themselves.

2. What made you so passionate about working with raw crystals? 

I have always had interest in the healing powers of crystals and I have always carried around a little pouch of crystals in my handbag (I think I got this little trait from my mum). I find the natural beauty of crystals so fascinating; each piece has its very own characteristics; which also makes each piece individual and special for our customers.

I mainly work with Clear Quartz, which is my favourite stone and is known to be the master healer of all crystals. I have been wearing a clear quartz crystal for years around my neck and really do feel the power of the stone.

Quartz is a stone of harmony, which balances energies and emotions, while increasing inspiration and creativity. It works on all areas of the mind and body; awakening, amplifying & transmitting energy, while clarifying the thought processes and clearing away negative energies.

I also have some exclusive Rose Quartz pieces, which is the stone of love. It promotes unconditional love, forgiveness, infinite peace and compassion. It creates harmony in relationships and teaches us about the true essence of love. It purifies and opens up the heart allowing us to express our emotions.

3. Describe the planning and design process that goes into creating a new collection.

I am now designing four collections a year and at any one time I am designing a new collection, shooting a different collection & also launching a new one. It doesn’t stop! But I love it.

When designing a new collection, I look at past collections and also see what our customers are asking for.  There are quite a few things I must keep in mind when I am designing and one thing is simplicity. 

4. What are your favourite clothes to pair with a Krystal Knight piece? 

I will mix up pieces and coloured stones depending on my outfit. I am a denim shorts and low side slung singlet type of girl, so layering all of my jewellery with a casual outfit can really dress an outfit up and make it perfect for a night out.

5. You recently stocked some homeware pieces such as Agate bookends and crystal candle holders. What gave you the idea to branch out into lifestyle products? 

This also for me, was a natural progression, I spotted them while sourcing new crystals and had to have them, the colours are so stunning and the intricate natural beauty of them are so so beautiful! I am working on some new home wares projects coming up, which I cannot wait to share! 

All pictures belong to Krystle Knight. 

By Sharon Jiang 

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Designer Profile: Jennifer Loiselle

This is the costume jewellery I would invest in. 

Loud, proud and not for the faint hearted (or the minimalists), I think perhaps it is time to wear some oversized cherries on my ears or have a pair of acrylic hands resting on my décolletage. 

Jennifer Loiselle's eponymous label began through a combination of luck and a passion to make statement pieces. Transitioning from a Sydney newspaper writer and assistant stylist to a London designer, Loiselle satisfied her 'urge to create' while at the same time, found her true calling. Each collection is as unique as the last but still has its funky and colourful DNA running through the aesthetic. I caught up with designer Jennifer Loiselle about her label and her inspirations. 

1. What is your design aesthetic?

I'm a huge fan of pop art, pop culture, colour and oversized accessories - that pretty much sums up my design aesthetic.

2. Where/who do you get inspiration from when designing your next collection?

Inspiration comes from everywhere really - art, fashion, just watching the world go by. I'm lucky that London is at my doorstep, such a great city to inspired by!

3. Who is the quintessential 'Jennifer Loiselle' girl? Who do you envision wearing your pieces?

Girls and women who like to dress up for themselves and aren't interested in how others view them.

4. What is a piece of advice you would give to aspiring jewelry designers or those wanting to get into the fashion industry?

I think the key to getting into the industry, is to be very passionate about what you do and to really love it. A lot of hard work doesn't go astray and just keep going, even when you hear the word 'no'!

Jennifer Loiselle is sold in her online store, Boticca and Etsy. 

Picture Source: http://www.jenniferloiselle.com

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Designer Profile: We Are Kindred

If you're wanting beautiful and floaty pieces, local brand We Are Kindred is a new label to look out for. Their High Summer 2013 debut features an amazing collection of delicate garments licked with floral prints and soft pastel tones.
The design duo Georgie and Lizzie Renkert - both sisters and best friends - have 30 years experience in the fashion industry combined. What results is a label that's conscious of the demands of stylish Australians yet remains loyal to its feminine roots.
Here are some insights into the wheels and cogs of We Are Kindred and designer Georgie Renkert.

What was your initial reason for starting We Are Kindred? 

We have been talking (and dreaming) about teaming up and doing this for years. It was when Madison magazine closed, and I resigned from 10 years buying and developing product for predominately Sportsgirl, that we thought it was our time. 

Where do you find inspiration when designing your next collection?

We find inspiration from everywhere. In my years going on buying trips, I collected an extensive vintage fashion collection, and this gives me endless print and silhouette references which I draw from. 

Our summer collection was born mainly from the print design, and then flowed on from there. 

Describe the aesthetic of We Are Kindred. 

Feminine, fresh, floral! 

What is a piece of advice you would give to anyone wanting to enter the fashion/design industry? 

It is a really tough time in the fashion industry and we have not gone into this with our eyes closed. Our advice would be to go into launching a label fully prepared with extensive experience in design, manufacturing, supply chain, advertising, PR contacts etc. 

The fashion industry is a great place to work – start working for a reputable company and soak up every bit of information you can! 

Name 3 garments you cannot live without. 

Floral maxi skirts, bustiers, a well structured jacket. 

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casper&pearl @ SFW

From left to right: Mali Koopman & Stacy Hendrickson

Among the claustrophobic hysteria at Sydney Fashion Weekend, situated in D30 was a certain tranquility. Muted pastel tones, an abundance of flowers ... it was like stepping into a childhood daydream where we feed unicorns not horses.

The brains behind casper&pearl, Stacey Hendrickson fully embodies the essence of C&P. Gorgeous and softly spoken, she was a delight to meet. If you feel like this is deja vu, I have posted about this brand before HERE. Also, check out their BLOG to keep up with their lovely adventures.

Stacey kindly talks to us about her label:

1. How did your label begin?
I began casper&pearl about two years ago when I was eighteen years old, fresh out of high school. I had no idea what I was doing and had no idea it would turn out as big as what it is!  

2.  Describe your design aesthetic. 
I adore creating innocent and girly pieces. Anything 90’s inspired wins my vote, and I’m a sucker for bright colours. I’m designing outfits for that indie girl who steals clothes out of grandma’s wardrobe, and mixes it with the pieces she used to wear in 1996.

3. What are your inspirations? 
When designing a collection, I get an idea of a girl or a character in my mind. I imagine where she is, what she’s doing and what she’s wearing. I scribble in notebooks and turn them into tangible form. Our team member Mali Koopman inspires me a great deal as she just radiates innocence and culture. I also love reading blogs and flicking through old story books.

4. casper&pearl has really exploded! What would be one advice you would give to any young designer trying to break into the industry? 
Being important is nice, but being nice is more important. I’m good friends with most of my models and customers and I love to hand write notes to include in orders. I think that’s what girls are really responding to.

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(MBFWA) Gypsea S/S 2013/14

There is no doubt that printed swimwear will be all the rage next summer. Albeit,
swimwear which looks its had a photograph printed straight on popularised by Blackmilk and We Are Handsome have been around for a while. Now the debut success of Gypsea at MBFWA, a Western Australian label, which 'embodies the immense natural beauty in nature' reassures all of us that this hype is not dying down.

Gypsea showcased such a variety that would surely adapt to many facets of personal style.The most nature loving adventurer would enjoy the leafy greens or exotic birds. Girls with slightly quirkier styles can gravitate towards the funky feline piece. A standout piece would have to be that caged sleeve two piece featuring a unique Red Admiral Butterfly wing print (excuse my ignorance but I thought it was a reptile print). Such a creative vision made possible by designer Emma Jones and surf photographer Scott Bauer who I was lucky enough to have interviewed.

1. How did your brand Gypsea start? Was there always this passion to design swimwear?

I've worked as a surfing photographer for 15 years where I had the idea of doing something very different and challenging with my photography work. Swimwear seemed like a cool project to sink my energy into. I met Emma in Hawaii a few years previous through her husband Mikala, she told me about work as a designer and swimwear manufacturer. It wasn't till a few years later I asked her about printing image onto swimwear, she was really intrigued about the idea. We did some sampling and we were both really excited with the results, she then asked if I wanted to be business partners and the rest is history.

2. Tell us about your design aesthetic. 

Our aim is to create swimwear that flatters the female form. Effectively the human body becomes the canvas for the images so it's important the image flows well with the shape of the body. We work in reverse with design, we pick the images then we find the patterns that work well with it. One Pieces are always great to work with as they are such a great canvas. 

3. One very important feature of your swimwear are the gorgeous prints. Are they photographed by yourself?

In the latest collection I have photographed some of the prints, we also have some amazing photographers we are collaborating with, Alex Hyde and Alex Kearns. I do all the graphic work with the label, Emma works on all the pattern design and manufacturing.

4. Describe fashion week in 3 words. 

Exciting, prestigious, inspiring

5. What is one piece of advice you would give to any budding designer trying to break into the industry?

Always follow your dreams and be prepared for a lot of hard work

6. I've noticed you're from WA Australia, where is one place you would recommend for anyone wanting to travel there? 

I live in Dunsborough in the South West, I recommend the Dunsborough, Margaret River region. There's so much to see and do, from surfing, hiking, climbing or just taking it easy eating good food and visiting amazing wineries, its basically got it all.

Picture Source: 

1st my own

rest http://www.fashionising.com/

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Supporting Aussie Labels

One random Tuesday, I was contacted for an interview by a uni student for her article on the 'future of Australian fashion in the midst of a technological and cultural revolution'. I never really mentioned this before but one of my crowns (THE ROSETTA) was featured in LMFF Etsy Interactive Exhibition.Therefore, she wanted to ask me some questions about my Etsy store and its future among Australian fashion.

All irrelevance aside, one of her questions was 'In the world of fast disposable fashion, why do you think it's important for consumers to support local independent designers rather than the mass chain stores?'

That really got me thinking because I suppose it's something that never crosses many peoples' minds.

This was my answer: I feel like Australian fashion is so diverse and doesn't just consist of all the chain stores that bombards our faces everyday. Fashion is evolving at a crazy speed where everyone wants to be on trend or even ahead of the trend and that's exactly what chain stores serve us. I've noticed that in each store, there's similar aesthetics, the same garments each season and for a lot of average consumers who observe and absorb everything given to them, that's the extent of fashion they know. 
But if you delve deeper, there are so many local designers with incredible talent and a completely unique taste. They are the ones who have rejected the norm, done something not necessarily provoking but just ... different. I once heard a quote that goes like this 'fashion says me too, but style says only me.' So if people really want something that's as individual as they are and not just being a slave to trends, supporting local designers is the way to go. That way, it conflicts the notion of disposable fashion where pieces are simply bought from chain stores for the fleeting period of trends and then dumped at the back of ones closet collecting dust. I'm not saying my floral crowns are for everyone but there are people who share the same style as me. And if never heard of geniune style go 'out of style'. 

On that note, I just want to share with you some Aussie labels that I love ... and maybe you will too.

1. Finders Keepers - Quirky prints & lots of colour

2. Cameo - unexpected silhouettes, prints & fabrics

3. Miss Unkon - dreamy, story-telling, whimsical

4. Fairground - Prints, prints and more prints

5. Evil Twin - edgy & grungy

6. Paint It Red - youthful vibe, unique prints

7. The Hiding Tree - Outstanding feminine frocks

Shop Aussie

'In the world of fast disposable fashion, why do you think it's important for consumers to support local independent designers rather than the mass chain stores?' 
I would love to know your opinions so don't be afraid to speak your mind in the comments :)

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