AFC Curated Pop-Up: Week 2
AFC Curated is a unique business development platform for independent Australian fashion labels, offered by the Australian Fashion Council. Innovative new designers are selected from applicants to participate in the year-long mentoring programme with industry experts. The collections of successful applicants are included in a retail and event space, AFC Curated Pop-Up, in Melbourne’s epicentre of fashion, Emporium Melbourne.
AFC Curated is showcasing another 7 amazing new fashion labels in their Pop-Up at Emporium Melbourne next week. Sustainable fashion at its best, the new labels range from couture shoes and handcrafted bags made from natural materials, to fine jewellery and workwear. Head to the AFC Curated Pop-Up in Level 3, Emporium Melbourne from March 10-15 to check them out, buy unique pieces, and meet the designers.
Frank And Dolly’s
Empowerment Through a Conscious and Colourful Fashion Experience
Frank and Dollys bring to life fabrics and collections that use ancient and modern printing techniques. Every garment holds its own narrative and the relationship between the customer, maker and designer is intimate.
“We are focused on attention to detail in the pattern making process, representing itself in garments that are ready-to-wear, and to be frank, ready to feel absolutely glorious in.”
Based in the Byron Hinterland, Frank and Dollys launched their first official collection in 2016 and made their stamp in the landscape of ethically crafted fashion in Australia with their bold prints, timeless styles and unique story telling approach to fashion and the hands that make it.
“Since birthing the label we have traveled around the world to meet the makers involved in the manufacturing process. We have pursued the path less travelled, seeking out small scale, independent and family run workshops who, like ourselves, thrive on the universal language of design and genuine craftsmanship.
We have personally sat, worked and created alongside these makers in their studios and workshops, all with their 3 children in tow.”
Further to striking garments, Frank and Dollys’ unconventional approach to business and the industry at large quickly grew a strong community based around authenticity and the unique woman.
“We believe that everyone that touches a Frank and Dolly’s garment should be empowered in some way. From their beautiful and inspiring customers, to the incredibly inspiring fabric makers and dyers.
We often get asked, ‘How on earth do you run a fashion label, a family unit and maintain a healthy marriage?’ and for us, the answer is easy ‘When you do what you love and don’t compromise your vision then everything is possible!’”
Website: Frank and Dolly’s
Instagram: @frankanddollys
Aura Studios
Minimal, Experimental & Eco-Conscious
AURA Studios creates minimal, experimental, high quality, eco-conscious, timeless and well-designed clothing and jewellery. Sydney based designer Hannah Culshaw looks to re-establish the lost connection we have towards clothing in order to slow fashion and reduce our impact on the environment.
“My design ethos is driven by my interests and executed by my values.
Environment. Sustainability. Longevity. Impact. Change. Open-mindedness. Reducing waste.”
AURA Studios uses natural fibres, incorporating deadstock fabrics, implementing timeless design, ensuring high quality pieces and craftsmanship through natural dye and silverwork.
Informed by Bauhaus methodologies that engage with the relationship between shapes and their placement within a form, Culshaw’s design process is playful.
The possibilities of shape and line are explored in each design. Through sketching, draping and the experimentation of intricate patternmaking techniques, the designs challenge traditional garment construction. Natural indigo dye is used to create shapes, lines and patterns within the garments. Jewellery and clothing collide as silver accessories experiment with geometric shapes and organic forms.
“Process is a way we implement care into a garment. I consider craftsmanship and the process of the handmade through silver work and natural dye. I love the calm and magical process of indigo dyeing.”
Website: Aura Studios
Instagram: @aura__studios
Serpent & the Swan
Original Fine Jewellery
Serpent & the Swan is an ethical and sustainable Australian made fine jewellery label with an artistic approach to creating jewellery.
Moving from a successful career as a fashion designer into jewellery, founder and designer Hayley Smith creates jewellery with a unique edge that is inspired by her love of animals, symbolism, nature and historic jewellery.
Symbolism- “An artistic and poetic movement or style using symbolic images and indirect suggestion to express mystical ideas, emotions, and states of mind.”
Every piece is designed and manufactured by Hayley in Sydney’s inner west, into one-of-a-kind personalised pieces to be treasured and past down through the generations. Using ethically and naturally sourced gemstones, freshwater pearls and found objects.
“I design each piece with a personality that ignites a primal desire within me to create something into existence that I would want to treasure forever” – Hayley Smith
Possessions loved by those who desire originality.
Website: Serpent and the Swan
Instagram: @serpentandtheswan
Lindsay Nicholas New York
Effortless Trans-seasonal Workwear
Lindsay Nicholas New York was founded with a clear objective: to redefine classic womenswear for the modern woman who needs to transition seamlessly from work to play, from day to night. Designs are both elegant and intelligent – for effortless-cool, great comfort and trans-seasonal dressing, because women today are on the move. We travel between time-zones and hemispheres, often needing clothes that work as well in a New York City summer as they do in a Melbourne winter.
Heading up multiple international marketing initiatives, and unsatisfied with the lack of stylish womenswear that could keep up with her global lifestyle, Lindsay made the decision to create her own designs. Launched in 2017 and Made in New York, Lindsay Nicholas New York has already captured the attention of top editors with its modern, elegant designs, offering fresh takes on timeless classics. Lindsay Nicholas New York is the epitome of natural, relaxed elegance with a playful design edge. Lindsay uses only the finest quality materials, producing pieces designed to be cherished for a lifetime. Her clothes aren’t fast-fashion; they are the clothes you’ll covet for years to come.
Website: Lindsay Nicholas New York
Instagram: @lindsaynicholasnewyork
DEMKIW
Strong Modern & Timeless Silhouettes
DEMKIW {pronounced Dem-Q}, is the new chapter for designer and style director Jacqui Demkiw. Eponymously named, the label is the “new vision” of ready to wear from White Suede’s designer, after many life changing events.
Being at the forefront of ‘sustainability’ and global attitudes to not create disposable fashion, DEMKIW is affordable luxury which you will love to wear forever.
DEMKIW is set to inspire a new age of women’s timeless but confident clothing choices. The label expands on Jacqui’s creative styling work and career of over 20 years.
Drawing inspiration from her attitude to always dress women to empower them to feel great about themselves. To be confident and to “be the best version of yourself, working to create powerful, modern, timeless and passionate clothing style for woman of all ages and sizes.
“I am all about helping women have the tools to create a confident, comfortable and beautiful style” Jacqui Demkiw
Website: DEMKIW
Instagram: @demkiwofficial
G Terlato
Luxury Couture Shoes
The DNA of G Terlato lies with Gesualdo Terlato, an Australian born designer of Italian Sicilian heritage with three generations of couture experience. A longstanding Couture designer in his own right, after 30 years of creating bridal and evening gowns, Gesualdo has now ventured into footwear.
The result? The debut collection presents a boutique range of statement making pieces that draw on the designer’s years of experience, traditional techniques and celebrate the art of shoe designing.
The luxury pieces are crafted from Italian leather, silk and suede and feature Swarovski crystals, beads and pearls. Each pair is lovingly handcrafted with particular attention paid to the finest materials and design details. The collection features feminine designs in exquisite shades of gold, silver, ivory, black and nude, each finished with G Terlato’s signature green sole.
The designer draws inspiration from the stylish and beautiful women in his own life; his wife, mother and grandmother amongst others. You’ll find each design named after a key female influencer including his long-time friend, model and entrepreneur Helene Abicair who referred to Terlato as “Melbourne`s own Valentino”.
The brand lives and breathes the concept of “Speranza” the Italian word for HOPE. In Gesualdo’s own words, the luxury masterpieces am to bring “hope into every step” motivating women to be their best and turn heads wherever they go!
simétrie
Handcrafted from Natural Materials
Simone Agius is the founder, designer & head craftswoman of simétrie. The atelier is based in Brunswick, Melbourne where the handcrafted wares are made. The craftswomen that work with simétrie are Sharifa, Cécile, Amy & Clemence.
simétrie is about symmetry in the business of making handbags – balancing the human desire for style with their impact on the earth.
They do this from their Melbourne atelier, through educational leather craft workshops & their beautiful accessories that are handcrafted to order.
Through the workshops they educate consumers on the creative and production processes of handcraftsmanship and encourage the shift away from fast fashion.
The made-to-order goods are designed to be timeless, using considered materials to craft quality handbags that will last a long time, that are safe for people & the planet. All wares are handcrafted in their atelier by local craftswomen who are paid fairly in exchange for their skilled and artisanal work.
The collections are inspired by natural geometry and are made from vegetable tanned wild Australian kangaroo leather, sourced from wildlife management, as well as organic hemp canvas, Portuguese cork interlinings, water-based glues and dyes, and where possible, natural threads. simétrie prioritises natural materials over synthetics in an effort to move towards a circular economy. The brand also offers a lifetime repair warranty to ensure their wares are kept in use for as long as possible.
Website: simetrie
Instagram: @_simetrie
