Japanese-style.

At Hustle&Scout, we will welcome a few select interstate designers to promote a diverse mix of Australian-made products for all to enjoy. One of the special interstate designers travelling to Canberra for this event is Harper & Edie - a Melbourne-based clothing and accessories label by Michele Taylor. 

Michele's range consists of dresses and tunics, denim skirts, cotton dresses, tops, vests, belts and much more. All of her designs are unique and handmade in her Melbourne studio using beautiful quality fabrics sourced from Japan. The colourful Japanese patterns used throughout Michele's pieces feature a gorgeous mix of delicate floral shapes, and are typically paired with a black fabric to make them pop. Michele will sometimes use all of her Japanese fabric to create a garment, and other times she will just use a panel, or sew circles or squares onto fabric to create a a bold, contemporary look. A lot of the dresses are reminiscent of the 50s, making them classic pieces for that modern woman who wants to mix colour and unique patterns with timeless and flattering styles. 

I love the way that Michele not only embraces the Japanese aesthetic through her fabric selection, but also through some of the layering and use of obi-like sashes. Her double knit merino wool vests from her winter collection, for example, take on a contemporary Japanese feel when layered over a merino wool top and skirt, and secured with an obi to create a beautiful, hourglass shape. This look reminds me of a more wearable and modern take on a kimono.

Come and try some of the gorgeous Harper & Edie collection next Saturday 21st September. 

http://www.harperandedie.com/