Bespoke and breath-taking designs

She has featured in Hitched Magazine and several editions of Cosmopolitan Bride, showcased at Fashfest earlier this year, and stocked a number of her pieces in stores and online boutiques around Australia...let me introduce one of our newest stallholders, Canberra designer Sofia Polak. 

Sofia creates bespoke,  chic and sophisticated evening, bridal and cocktail pieces for women. She is all about helping women to feel empowered and confident when wearing her one-of-a-kind garments. We are very privileged to have Sofia sell and showcase some of her current stock with us this Saturday.

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

Growing up I always loved drawing and hand sewing dresses for my dolls and studied fashion design in college but it wasn't until I worked in a high fashion retail store and took a short course while I was living overseas that I decided to pursue it further and led me to complete a Bachelor of Fashion Design at the Canberra Institute of Technology.

How would you describe your label’s design aesthetic?

Sophisticated, bold , modern and feminine.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

Some collections are inspired from creative sources but the basis of my inspiration is always the female silhouette.

If you had the opportunity to dress anyone, who would it be?

I am grateful I have the opportunity to dress my wonderful bespoke clients. Providing a custom design service provides me with the opportunity to dress a range of amazing women and young ladies.  If I had to pick one person from the current Australian fashion scene it would have to be Kate Waterhouse, as her style is sophisticated with an edge which reflects the sofia polak aesthetic.

What is your absolute favourite thing you have made? Why?

I would say the ‘Kate’ dress from my addicted to love collection, which was inspired by one of my real brides and dear friend and was featured in Hitched magazine and Cosmopolitan Bride.

What is your greatest challenge as a designer?

Being based in Canberra can be tricky especially when communicating and liaising with interstate suppliers.  I hope the recent growth in the Canberra fashion community will continue and improve some of the challenges of being a Canberra fashion designer.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years? (hint: dream BIG)

Continuing my label and bespoke service within my own boutique.

A silver ring is all it took...

Local designer and silversmith, Penny Layton, will be back in just 2 days with her collection of gorgeous hand-crafted mixed-metal jewellery. Combining silver, copper and brass, Penny's pieces exude a certain warmth and rustic charm that stays true to her brand name - Rustic Treasures. It was lovely to hear a bit more about Penny and her practice through our Q&A...

How did you get into jewellery-making?

Our family was fortunate enough to be posted to Colorado, USA and at the time I had two young pre-schoolers. I discovered a silversmith who was running classes in her studio. I took a class and learned how to make a silver ring. I fell in love with the whole process and decided to take it further and studied silver smithing and jewellery design at a local college.

How would you describe your label’s design aesthetic?

My style would be described as contemporary. I create jewellery that combines precious and base metals with other materials in a unique way to produce wearable art.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

Much of my inspiration comes from nature - shapes, patterns and colours inspire and excite me.  Flowers, leaves and the textures of different natural surfaces all feature as elements in my jewellery.

If you had the opportunity to design a fashion piece for anyone, who would it be?

Gok, because of his passion for fashion.

What is your absolute favourite thing you have made? Why?

I make a bead which consists of three geometric shapes cut from silver, brass and copper sheet that are soldered together to form a single plate of tri-metal. I then forge two of these sheets into domes that are joined to produce a hollow metal bead. This is a test of craftsmanship and patients that produces a piece of jewellery I am proud to have people wear – I still wear the original I made 8 years ago!

What is your favourite object in your workshop?

Hard choice, either my little German-made chasing hammer or my Ezy Rivet Tool.

Where do you aspire to be in 10 years from now? (Hint: dream BIG)

I would like to have my own studio with a retail section, a workshop and an area to run jewellery-making classes.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Family, friends, coffee, the gym and, of course, the beach!

Millinery and more

Sovata's racewear designs are bright, bold, sophisticated and, even better, sustainable. Using zero-waste pattern making techniques, designer Jade Sargent creates womenswear and sculptural and edgy hats that create the perfect look for an outing to the races or for general formal wear. After studying millinery and a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) at CIT, and showcasing her collection on the runway at Fashfest earlier this year, Jade has continued onwards and upwards, producing new pieces and getting her label out there through forums such as Hustle&Scout. Here's a fun fact, did you know that 'Sovata' is a combination of Jade's last name, Sargent, and the botanical name for Jade, Ovata? 

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I didn’t at first.  I originally wanted to focus on millenary, but the classes were always too small and were cancelled.  So On a whim I decided to enrol in CIT Bachelor of Fashion Design which had the option of taking millinery as an elective and it was the best decision I ever made.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

I draw my inspiration for all my fashion items from millinery construction techniques and from zero waste pattern making. 

If you had the opportunity to dress anyone, who would it be?

Kate Middleton, because I’d like to give her a younger and bolder look and help her not play it so safe all the time.

What is your absolute favourite thing you have made? Why?

As a part of my graduating collection I designed a zero waste jacket called oriental honeycomb made out of chiffon teamed with leather binding trim and detailing which resulted in a simple, sophisticated and feminine garment.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years time? (hint: dream BIG)

Being sought after by famous Australian actresses and fashions on the field entrants who are seeking bespoke one-off garments and millinery items for high profile race events such as the Melbourne Cup.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

A creative outlet, an amazing family, good food, exercise, and my puppies.

Is green the new black? Why/why not?

Green aka environmentally-conscious design is (or should be) the new black.  I think everyone should be doing their part for the environment.  Sovata has shown that “green” fashion can be achieved giving consumers a modern, bright and feminine clothing.

What next?

Continue to build a client-base, and build the name Sovata.

My tools are my children.

Stuart the Cat is a local jewellery label by Lisa Jose, part-time silversmith and part-time archaeologist. Stuart the Cat is also, well, a cat...belonging to Lisa. Just thought I'd clear that up early.

Lisa's work is quite sought-after in Canberra. She was recently commissioned to make some pieces (jewellery and brooches) for the Incas exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. It was the first time she has made laser-cut wooden llama brooches - I guess there's a first time for everything! Anyway, enough of the fun facts and over to the more insightful and revealing information about Lisa's life and work...

How did you get into jewellery-making?

As a distraction from PhD study.

How would you describe your label’s design aesthetic?

Simple, and elegantly wonky.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

Everywhere! My garden, buildings, mechanical components, ancient art and adornment, textiles, food and birds.  I’d like to say Stuart inspires me, but mostly he just steals beads.

If you had the opportunity to design a fashion piece for anyone, who would it be?

Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.  I think she’d totally rock a pair of Stuart the Cat’s fruitdrop earrings.

What is your absolute favourite thing you have made? Why?

The first ring I made.  It’s awful: the join is soldered terribly, it’s far too big for me, and I used a lot of copper in it, so my finger goes green when I wear it.  But when I look at it I remember how excited I was to have actually made this thing, and I remember the thrill of the possibilities that lay ahead.

What is your favourite object in your workshop?

Don’t make me choose.  My tools are my children.

Where do you aspire to be in 10 years from now? (Hint: dream BIG)

It’s a bit boring, but I’d be pretty happy if I’m still doing what I’m doing now.  Do I have to dream big?  OK then…..I’d like to be so famous that I’d just go by my first name, and everyone would be wearing my jewellery, and I’d be the first choice for the Oscars red carpet, and everyone would be like “I don’t know why movie stars didn’t always wear stylish handmade silver jewellery,” and I’d smile knowingly from my chateau in the south of France as David Tennant brought me a second piece of cheesecake.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Apart from the necessary tools and materials I use daily, the most important things are those that keep me connected to the world.  It can be very isolating working alone, so I’d choose the following five things: Radio National, Facebook, and the internet for keeping me in touch; Northern Exposure DVDs to keep me company while I make polymer clay beads; and my family and friends for their amazing support and encouragement.  I’d like to include Stuart in that group, but he’s pretty indifferent.  I’m not sure he even likes my work.

Canberra's eco-fashion pioneers...

If there is one fashion label in Canberra that has become synonymous with the words green, eco, sustainable and ethical, it's Pure Pod. 

Let's get one thing straight - there can be no underestimating or playing down of the amazing feel of organic fabric on your skin. It sends those same tingles down your spine as when you take your shoes off at the beach and first feel the sand between your toes - it's raw and it's revitalising.  I recently bought one of the Pure Pod long, black Elk Sissone dresses and, oh my word, it is the most wonderful and comfortable dress I have ever worn (big shout). Get down to Hustle&Scout this Saturday to get your chance to feel, try and buy pieces from Pure Pod's veggie-dyed summer collection. My bet is, they won't last long. 

Pure Pod designer, Kelli, shares some very personal insights into her upbringing, her values and her experiences to shed light on the Pure Pod journey. Take some time to read this lovely Q&A with her...

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I was born with this in my soul and also a love of the environment, passion for the arts and fashion industry. I had no choice really, it is in my blood! My grandmother was an amazing talented tailor and her mother and grandmother (my great great grannie) were all in the fashion industry in Scotland. My great grandmother was a child working in the textile mills in Glasgow - not a very glamorous job and very dangerous for children!

 There’s also talk in our family that we are related to John Muir, a Scottish-born American naturalist, author, and early advocate of preservation of wilderness in the United States. His activism helped to preserve the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas.  So, it seems fitting that I am an ethical eco fashion designer with pioneer passion streaming through me!

I have always designed clothes ever since I had a Holly Hobbie sewing machine as a 5-year-old. Barbies were my favourite and I was always making, drawing or designing something as a kid. My passion for the environment and my Dad’s influence in enjoying nature had a huge impact on me.

After working for 16 years in the fashion industry in Melbourne, I ran away with my partner Sean Watson to Byron Bay to study yoga teaching and from there my true passion began. We started Pure Pod in the hinterland of the sub-tropical area of Byron Bay. It just all came together from there!

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

I love texture and colours in nature, other creative industries, art, people, fashion and textile history.

I love the women who wear our clothing and I get a lot of inspiration from them, whether they be 19 or 90 years old! I love to hear and talk to women about our clothing and know that they feel amazing in our collections. We have had many women tell us when they wear their Pure Pod clothing they get compliments all the time and even get into conversation about our brand with others while wearing our clothing.

The environment is also something I get lots of inspiration from, as well as trying to conserve our natural world for future generations.

Is green the new black?

Pure Pod believes GREEN is the new BLACK because ….we are very passionate about being eco fashion pioneers in helping to change the polluting fashion industry. The fashion industry is the 3^rd highest polluting industry in the world, in growing textiles, chemical and pesticide usage, dying and making textiles & trims, plastics and left over manufacturing waste and unwanted and used clothing. I wasn’t born a scientist or politician to help save our planet so I am doing it through what I love and know - making beautiful ethical eco clothing!

If you had the opportunity to dress anyone, who would it be?

Cate Blanchette (an eco warrior);

Katherine Hamnett – (the first policital designer –  she made a strong statement about bombs in the 80’s with her ‘Choose Life’ tshirts and wanting to change our polluting and unethical industry);

David Suzuki (Amazing eco scientist and environmentalist);

Every woman in the world who cares about where her clothing comes from, how it’s made and grown.

What is your absolute favourite thing you own? Why?

I have some beads my Dad bought me back from Africa when I was three with a postcard of a baby leopard when he was filming a documentary there. I still remember opening the present and being truly inspired by the colours of the beads. I had never seen anything like them before. I still have them and my little girl, Ruby, who is now three, loves them too. I wear them as a good luck charm as my Dad is sadly not with us anymore.

I also have a beautiful 1950’s ball gown my Nan made for my Mum. I wore it to functions when I was younger. It is a full length fitted evening dress in black satin with gold flowers embroidered all over it plus a hand bag to match. I hope one day to see my daughter in this dress.

What is your biggest challenge as a designer?

Being creative while trying to earn a living out of my trade and also trying to keep it as ethical and eco as possible as a small designer. It is always easy to get caught up in other peoples' thoughts on your product, but you need to listen to your heart and creative mind to make beautiful products that people love. If you follow that path your customers will love your designs. I have been caught in the trap before by making something some one else wants but it is never right and doesn’t always work.

Trying to stay eco and ethical in our manufacturing is very hard in such a hard retail environment and trying to keep our product made in OZ. There are so many cheap imports coming into Australia we just can’t compete with the prices but we know our product has a face behind each piece, a story and it will wear for a long time. Much longer than cheap imports where people aren’t always paid their worth overseas.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

My family – Sean and Ruby, my sleep & pillow, home grown vegetables, friends and a healthy environment! Ooops that’s more than 5!!!

A kind of cosmic fashion...

We've got a real mix of fashion in store for you all this Saturday! On one end of the spectrum we have glam formalwear, and at the other end we have streetwear labels selling the good old basics. I Heart Threads is one of these labels, selling a range of long and short sleeved tees and hoodies - the staples to any man's wardrobe. I Heart Threads has something special about it though. Designer/artist, Kieran, features his own cosmic and psychedelic digital art on each garment. His designs are by no means boring, they are colourful explosions of all kinds of raw and fantastical illustrations. Some are statement pieces, others are a little more subtle, and the names of each design range from Butterfly Paint, to Cosmic Dunk and Nebula Pyramid. I Heart Threads usually have an online store so it will be a treat to have them at Hustle&Scout.

When and why did you start your own fashion label?

I’ve been into art my entire life and have been designing for well over the last 10 years, but had only used canvas as my medium. I actually started my clothing label after stumbling upon a really rad tee at Splendour in the Grass (years ago) and decided fashion was the way to go for me.  I therefore launched my label “I Heart Threads” earlier this year.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

Living with Schizophrenia, I see the world in a different light.  My interests are music, science, skateboarding, philosophy and fashion. In terms of art, my inspiration stems from artists like M.C. Escher. As a musician also, I produce (music) and draw creativity from that. My art is an escape from my illness, which reveals my somewhat “psychedelic” outlook on life, whilst paradoxically being inspiration for my art.

Who is your target buyer?

Anyone and everyone! It started as males clothing, with ages varying from 18 – 35. I have now made the target buyer male & female, aged 18 – 65.

If you had the opportunity to design a fashion piece for anyone, who would it be?

Albert Einstein if he were alive. Otherwise Matt Bellamy (from MUSE).

What is your absolute favourite thing you have made? Why?

My first ever t-shirt design (“Piano Threads”), basically because I had a year or two away from designing and had I not designed that, I would never have returned to design and “I Heart Threads” would not exist.

What album or song would best describe what your label stands for?

I have to cheat and give 2: Any album from “Explosions in the sky” or “Justice” (“Cross” album).

Where do you aspire to be in 10 years from now? (HINT: dream BIG)

Being in a dope band and producing clothing at a well-respected level (actually making a living off my music and designs [basically])

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

My designing equipment (i.e. drawing tablet, Photoshop, Illustrator...)

My music equipment (i.e. piano, synth, guitars, pedals, amp, Ableton…)

The movie “Stay”

My music library

& my skateboard

Handbags galore!

It is funny how when you are a child, an experience, a person or an object can play a huge part in adjusting your life's path. For Jade Stone, it was the combination of a gifted leather handbag from her Grandparents, mixed with her Mother's influence that kick-started her interest in designing her own line of handbags. After Jade's recent success in performing on Australia's Got Talent with Girl Class, I'm not too sure how she finds the time to maintain a handbag label...but she does, and she will be at Hustle&Scout with bells on this Saturday with her beautiful designs! 

How did you get into designing handbags?

Growing up we were unable to afford the designer labels I adored so from a young age, I was dedicated to modifying and creating pieces for my wardrobe to fit and look how I particularly wanted them to. I learnt to utilise and appreciate what I was lucky enough to receive and in fact, I still cherish a soft tan leather backpack my Grandparents gave to me as a child. It was then that I began to fall in love with leather bags. I'd say the combination of my belief that quality should be attainable and my Mother's influence is why Jade Stone exists.

How would you describe your label’s design aesthetic?

Elegant but with a sense of rawness – often versatile in style. I hope that women from all walks of life could see one of my designs and relate to it somehow.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

My best ideas for a design form when I'm feeling free and beautiful – dance, music, travelling and nature spark those feelings for me.

If you had the opportunity to design a fashion piece for anyone, who would it be?

Kate Moss.

What is your absolute favourite thing you have made? Why?

My absolute favourite piece is the Aiyanna textured leather shoulder bag in black. It has three layers of long leather fringes - I consider it to be a subtle statement piece... It was also the first bag I designed when I began Jade Stone :)

Where do you aspire to be in 10 years from now? (Hint: dream BIG)

Constantly travelling to exotic places to source inspiration for new collections and performing at major events around the world! All of that plus a beautiful home in the country with fresh decor, sweet flowers and a family. 

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Music, exercise, fresh flowers, the internet and a well-brewed cappuccino.

What next?

While I work through my plans for Jade Stone and upcoming gigs, a relaxing beach holiday is on the cards! 

Not so coy, homies.

COY are the new indie street label to hit Canberra, featuring tees for guys and gals. The two dudes behind this brand are Pat and Josh. This creative duo will be launching their new range officially this Friday at an open house party in Lyneham,  featuring exhibitions, installations, and some impressive acts such as Safia, Citizen Kay and more.  Contact them via their website more more details. 

Check out the new COY launch vid, it's finger-lickin-good:

http://notsokoi.com/launchparty.html

The boys will be at Hustle&Scout this Saturday with their t-shirt range, as well as some screen-printed denim jackets and an impressive stall set-up using wooden palettes and decorated with a few of their signature skateboards. Word.

When and why did you decide to start your own label, COY?

P: It’s all a giant blur of momentum and passion so I don’t know if time is applicable. I’ve always been a designer, it’s what I know, and all I’ve ever wanted to do. So by breaking into what we present ourselves in, the garments in which we encase our bodies, is another step towards a world of design. One that isn’t limited by profession, but only by passion and vision.

J: It was at uni somewhere, at a really odd time when Pat came to me with the idea for this brand, he had so much passion and drive for it, it sort of put stars in my eyes. He had this quietly bombastic eagerness for the ideas and the brand, I’m not so quietly along for the ride, trying to match Pat’s ambition.                

                  
 

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

P: Everything comes from what I love, complex simplicity, where an idea exists and becomes

intricate to the point its meaning is completely transparent and where the transparent meets

the abstruse in a simple complexity. It’s all a battle for the existentialism in the end and this

is something that I constantly draw on in my designs.

J: It all sort of depends on where I’m at when I’m designing, like one day is minimal, 

stupidly grandiose the next. I like designing things that people might wrap into themselves,

something that they can use to define something about themselves in some way. At the end

of the day I’m in drawing in everything, so you have to be an eclectic generalist, like a super

jack of trades to ensure that you make something that is going to tick all the boxes for

yourself.

Who is your target buyer?

P: Those trying to fight ennui*. Those who love the bebop. Just the ordinary people. The 
kind of beautiful, dangerous ordinary people that you just can’t leave alone. 

J: Pat definitely nailed that question haha.

*Ennui: a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or 
excitement.

 If you had the opportunity to design a fashion piece for anyone, who would it be?

P: Kanye West.

Kanye, a tortured artist who inspires hate, overly self-conscious with a massive ego and in

many ways one of the few people I see as a modern day idol. An exceptionally flawed

individual Kanye is to me an icon of the 21^st century a celebrity that is never truly satisfied

with his success, a man who wishes to exceed the limits of his perceived talents, or maybe I’d

just make something for my Grandpa.

J: Man, Kanye would be cool to design for, he might knock it down a few times but he’d 

definitely work the best ideas out of you. Pat’s gonna hate me for it, but I’m just going to 

complete the psychotic duo and say Die Antword. You would be out there to polarise and 

excite, creating some of the weirdest stuff you ever have; and some of those things people 

will hate you for, but that’s okay.

You never really get told that that it’s okay to make weird stuff that people hate, without it

really knocking you down.

What is your absolute favourite thing you have made? Why?

 P: A temporary Gelato store in Canberra that recently got replaced. I loved that thing to the core, from the day I got the job I designed and built a store, with drawings that got approved by council. And I hated it, man every day there was torture, working in what was essentially a sealed cupboard painting, gluing, fixing, drilling, whatever it was, it was hard. But then there was opening day, and it was amazing, half the equipment was shoddy and second hand, but the place had character, and I think it will forever serve as a reminder that only limits are those you put on yourself.

J: I spent three years hand crafting a guitar and valve amplifer when I was in highschool/college. I spent every available dollar I had on it. The guitar was finished in time, but the amp... well the amp still doesn’t work. I wasn’t able to get speakers for it and some punk messed with the circuit. I left if untouched for 3 years, broken and unfixed.
The guitar, looks ace, it’s a carved by hand in the shape of a goat head, and it sounds particularly amazing. But why it’s my favourite? Because it represents that hardworking spirit for me, that drive to put your heart and soul into something you make. Doubly so, because it didn’t exactly pay off immediately. That amp still doesn’t work, and I hate myself for it.

What album or song would best reflect what your label stands for?

P: Track 5 from Kanye's Yeezus album, "Hold My Liquor". It runs for five minutes and twenty-six seconds. It represents two sides of the mind fighting for control - the tormented side that has the inflated ego, the one that gets the girl, that acts crazy and happy; then the good, loyal, honest hard-working perfectionist side that is pulled down, darker in a constant battle of worthlessness.

J: This is sort of Pat’s and my unofficial theme song.
We’ll be chilling out with a bunch of mates or at a party, it might come on.
Pat and I just look at each other and just kinda rock out, even if he’s not around I rock out. I hear it and I just think about our friendship/partnership.

Where you aspire to be in 10 years from now? (Hint: dream BIG)

P: Where do I aspire to be? Where else but on top of the world?

J: To be a made-man. And what Pat said!

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

P: My homies, my rents, projects to work on, a girl who can beat the tar out of me, and most of all, my homies.

J: Already living without them.
It’s time to go searching.

From Garema to Nishi.

Landspeed Clothing has become renowned in Canberra over the years as one of the must-go places for a special vintage find. Tucked away at the back of the illustrious Landspeed Records shop in Garema Place, Landspeed Clothing is a treasure trove for beautiful vintage clothing, shoes, bags, sunglasses, belts, scarves, a range of quirky and kitch jewellery, retro headbands, and much much more. This shop combines two of my greatest loves in life - music and fashion. I popped in the other day on a lunchbreak to have a squiz around and I couldn't have been happier admiring the pretty clothes whilst singing the words to one of my favourite Sublime albums that I haven't listened to in ages. Vintage threads mixed with a little ska punk and reggae rock = best temporary escape from a hectic day.

I had a quick chat to Abi, who runs Landspeed Clothing, and really enjoyed getting to know a little more about her and her divine little hub of fashion goodness. Very excited to hear that Landspeed Clothing will be bringing some of their special, one-off pieces to the market - I'm not going to lie, I will be making it my mission to be their first customer next Saturday. 

When and why did you expand Landspeed Records to include Landspeed Clothing?

By accident. When the space at the back of the shop was vacated I moved in for what was meant to be a couple of months until the guys figured out how to fill it. Years later I'm still there!

If you had the opportunity to dress anyone from a bygone era, who would it be?

The obvious answers would be the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy or Marilyn Monroe, but they got it right so I wouldn't want to mess it up. Maybe the ones who got it wrong. All the women who've worn chiffon sleeves to the Oscars. Don't they realise it looks like baggy skin?

Why do you think it is important to buy vintage/second-hand?

Besides the environmental reasons I guess it's the quality. If it's made it this far it's probably going to last a while yet. The fashion cycle is so fast now so clothes don't need to last more than 2 months. In the past, trends lasted for years so the clothes had to last as well.

Three words to describe the Landspeed Clothing customer.

Independent, confident, intelligent.

What are you going to bring along to the 14 December Hustle&Scout?

Lots of great vintage jewellery (perfect Christmas gift!) and things that we have difficulty displaying in the shop like parasols, hats, bags and more. We'll also dig into the archives for some special dresses.