The story of Evyie.

Creative fashion label evyie combines striking cuts with sumptuous textiles that frame and flatter. Entirely designed and constructed in Sydney, each garment is a stark concoction of meticulous thought and artistic merit. Evyie showcases a contemporary minimalist aesthetic with every piece a testament to the quality of individual craftsmanship and simplicity in design. The evyie woman is intelligent yet playful, casual but glam, exuding both beauty and substance, every day of the week. We are SUPER excited to have evyie showcase at the 14 December Hustle&Scout, and enjoyed hearing a little more from designer, Ly Yin, about her background and her story...

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

During my childhood, my mother and grandmother were both dressmakers and from a very early age, I knew that when I grew up, I should make clothes. I have been making clothes virtually my entire life so starting evyie felt like the most natural thing for me.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

New silhouettes, traditional techniques, music, people, textiles, life, and everything really.

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

Ruby Rose - I think she is someone I truly admire for all the wonderful contributions she makes to the community.

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

The warring hearts dress is definitely our signature style, it effortlessly captures the contemporary minimalist spirit of the label.

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

My dream is simple, it’s to keep doing what I love, which is making clothes.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Love, textiles, books, my sewing machine and scissors!

What next?

We’re in pre-production for AW14 which I’m really excited about, stay tuned!

There once was a Rosefinch and Belle...

Local Canberra jewellery label, Rosefinch & Belle, will be joining the Hustle&Scout family come 14 December, and we are very excited to have them on board. When selecting stallholders, we not only prioritise quality of product, but also the the uniqueness of the product. Rosefinch & Belle pieces tick both of these boxes - their necklaces, earrings, pendants, brooches and cufflinks are all handmade, one-of-a-kind and are fun and colourful. Pieces are crafted from perspex, wood, glass, resin and other wonderfully pretty materials. My favourite pieces are the perspex earrings and brooches, particularly the bird shaped ones - they're delicate, playful and they shine when the light bounces off them - divine. Andrea Wild is the brains behind Rosefinch & Belle, and this evening she gives us a quick sneak-peak into her story...

How did you get into making jewellery?

My original source of inspiration to begin making jewellery was the perspex sweetheart jewellery that my grandpa made for my grandma during WWII from perspex salvaged from fighter planes and bombers.

How would you describe your label’s design aesthetic?

I would describe the design aesthetic of my jewellery label, Rosefinch & Belle, in the words of Arts and Crafts designer William Morris: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” I think his advice works for as well for jewellery as it does for furniture.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

I am inspired by the clean lines of Art Deco architecture.

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

I’d like to design a piece of fashion jewellery just for me, without giving a moment’s thought to whether or not it would sell!

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

I love my fantail earrings cut from mirrored perspex. They are a gorgeous shape and reflect the light and colours of the surroundings when you wear them.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

When it comes to making my jewellery line, I can’t live without the basics: pliers, jump rings, brooch pins, ear wires and organza bags!

Raw designs return from the Ranch.

Hustle&Scout welcomes back Rancho to its 14 December market, now only 2 weeks away. Rancho will be brining their best jewellery and accessories, including their range of gorgeous wood-based and beaded necklaces and earrings, gold and silver-plated charms, linen shoulder bags, laser-cut bamboo iphone cases, patterened ipad covers and much more. I have really enjoyed learning about Michelle's story and it is a pleasure to share a little more of it with you today...  

How did the Rancho adventure begin?

The rancho label began after our move to ‘The Ranch’ 8 years ago.  We made a tree change from the coast to a beautiful little rural area just outside Newcastle.  But I have been making things forever – it’s just been the last 3 years that I have decided to side-step Visual Arts teaching and create full-time. 

How would you describe your label’s design aesthetic?

I try to keep things as simple and clean as I can - still keeping a visual interest.  It’s not as easy as it sounds – a fine balance of shape, surface texture and colour.  I try to brighten my palette sometimes – but always find myself calming things down to my usual muted soft colours. Old habits die hard.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

It sounds corny but my inspiration comes from our landscape. I also love classic Scandinavian design and pattern. 

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

I wouldn’t like to design anything specific for anyone – I would be too worried that I wouldn’t like it! But I would be tickled pink if I saw Orla Kiely walking down the street with a rancho bag or necklace!

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

I always like the best the item that I am currently making.  But if I had to choose a classic – I like my double heart necklaces as they are very simple but versatile.

What is your favourite object in your workshop?

I have a few vital tools: a small sharp pair of scissors, a super fine black felt tip marker, a pointed nose pair pliers and sewing machine (a Janome that I’ve had for 28 years!).

How are your pieces sustainable / eco-friendly?

I try to keep my materials as ‘raw’ as possible. At the moment I am using raw wooden beads. My linen is unbleached and I love using waxed cotton cords.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

My Family.

Pen and Paper.  I try keeping a diary for business purposes but it always evolves into a sketch book! I am always jotting down an idea or drawing a new design.

Chocolate and coffee.

My studio.  Unfortunately it doesn’t look anything like those clean white studios in the glossy interior magazines. My furniture does not match, I have crates and paper everywhere.  Racks of jewellery hang about the walls and the dog and cat visit frequently!

Trees. 

Fashionably extravagant.

On December 14, we welcome back the gorgeous Vicky and her string of beautiful handmade creations from renowned label, Rockstars & Royalty. Rockstars & Royalty offer a range of fashion pieces - everything from jewellery, to corsets, to bird cage veils to extravagant couture gowns. If she's not known for her pink hair, then Vicky is definitely known for her gowns...they are one-of-a-kind, all handmade and tailored to perfection. Whether you want to channel rock n'roll, whimsy, hollywood glam or bold and contemporary - Vicky has a knack for creating the ideal dress for her clients to reflect their personality. It is no wonder she receives commissions from interstate and often needs to turn people away, who wouldn't want to don a gown with powers to take breath away? 

I have really enjoyed getting to know Vicky through Hustle&Scout. I was excited to use her iconic teal and gold gown in a photoshoot we did for the Canberra Times for the inaugural event. This same gown, which was also a show-stopper at Fashfest earlier this year, also featured at the market as a centerpiece, which punters were quickly in awe over (see photo below). I asked Vicky some questions to get a little more insight into her story, and this is what she had to say...

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

I’ve sewn and designed for myself and my friends since I was about 10, but I actually didn’t consider a career in fashion until I after I graduated from my degree. I always wanted to be a jeweller and that’s what I studied. I made my fist corset in the final year of my degree because I couldn’t afford to buy one. After my degree I began sewing more and more and making more corsets and realised that was what I really loved to do and that it was possible to make a career out of it.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

All over the place. Often a piece of fabric,  lace or other embellishments will give me an idea and I’ll design a gown around it. Other times I see a colour somewhere and know that I want to use it. I also get a lot of inspiration from historical dresses and silhouettes.

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

I love going big and extravagant so I would love to create for anyone with a huge budget so that I could let my imagination run wild!

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

It changes every time I make a new gown! I still love the blue corset with the silver embellishments, the huge ivory tulle skirt that I made at the beginning of the year, and my favourite wedding dress for a real bride this year has to be the bright multi-coloured one that I made for my gorgeous client Nicolee for her wedding back in April.

Photo: Bel Combridge Photography

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

I’m very happy with where I am. I work from home and have enough orders to keep me busy and turn down enough to make sure I still have time to spend with my family. Having a successful business and great family time is my definition of success.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

My family, the internet, mascara, hair dye and wine.

What next?

Wedding season is in full swing so I’m starting to working on gowns for my 2014 brides. I’m also about to start work on a costume for Sarina del Fuego which she’ll be taking to the Adelaide fringe festival which I’m very excited about. As well as that, I’m about to make an extravagant back drop for a photo shoot and I have a vintage sofa that’s been sat in my garage for a year that I need to start restoring. I should probably think about Christmas at some point too! Hopefully I’ll be planning new gowns for Fashfest 2014 soon as well if they’ll have me back!

Photo: Edge Light Photography

An affection for collection.

If you visited the last Hustle&Scout, you may recall a certain corner of the Nishi Foyer packed with punters pulling at dresses, blouses, cardigans and more. Their eyes glistened with an unmistakable lust for the garments around them. This is where Librarian Chic was stationed. I watched on during these wonderfully hectic times, admiring Mel O'Brian, ex-librarian and brains behind this business, gracefully control a frenzy of untamed frockaholics. 

Naturally, I was particularly interested in learning just a little bit more about Mel and her affection for collection. Here's what I discovered...

When and why did you start collecting vintage pieces?

When I was 16 I started with a 1940s faux fur coat that I got at my local charity shop. As a uni student I could only afford vintage/second hand clothing, however, I did not want to compromise on quality or style.

What is your favourite decade for fashion? Why?

The charm of 'vintage' for me (although I believe clothing can be timeless) is to take a piece of clothing out of its context and style it into a new look based on individual lifestyles. Chinese silks  and 50s florals restyled as office wear, for example. I adore the 80s as a decade in fashion. During the 80s, Australian fashion really took off and many designers here were finally being recognised internationally. My dream would be to travel back in time to shop during the early 80s at Jenny Kee's "Flamingo Park" in the Strand Arcade, Sydney.

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

With out a doubt the ‘it’ girl of the 80s, Madonna. She is one of the most stylish and influential fashion icons of the era. Famous for her eccentricity and provocative nature, girls alike were trying to emulate her during the 80s. Madonna began many trends and I would love to dress her in something conservative yet with an understated allure and sensuality. Perhaps a leather skirt and cashmere cardigan.

What is your absolute favourite vintage piece you own? Why?

Is there anyone in the world who can't wear a classic twin set? My favourite vintage piece that I love wearing over my boldly printed c.1980s Sally Browne dress is my raglan angora yellow tweenie set that has the cutest pearl buttons down the front as fasteners.

Three words to describe your customer.

Intelligent, sensitive, independent

In a market saturated by cheap, mass-production do you think good quality vintage will soon be hard to come by? Why/why not?

The world is revolving and so is fashion. Women's trends change every 2 years where as men's fashion is every 10. Men's vintage will be harder to source, however, I am very optimistic because of the current trends of circulating and recycling vintage threads rather than sending them to landfill. This is why our business is imperative.

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Music, colour, floral prints, communication, glasses...something I can live without, is beige.

http://www.librarianchic.com.au/

Vintage chic with a twist...

On 14 December, Hustle&Scout will be welcoming a range of new stalls to its market, some local and some interstate. We have one stall coming all the way from South Australia - Dressed for Sunday. Dressed for Sunday will be showcasing beautifully crafted handmade accessories for guys and gals, all of which I imagine to be the perfect embellishments for a Sunday outing. I am particularly excited by the bow ties and ties that Leah will be bringing along to the next market...amongst her other lovely creations... 

What sorts of things can people buy from Dressed for Sunday?

I’ll be bringing a range of handmade men’s and women’s accessories to Hustle&Scout. For the guys, I have lots of ties and bow ties in a fun range of colours and prints, along with pocket squares. For the girls, I have an array of jewellery (think pendants, earrings, bangles and brooches) made from a variety of mediums including laser cut wood, Swarovski crystals, fabric and clay and beautiful fabric belts finished with vintage buckles.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

I would describe my style as vintage chic with a bit of a twist, and a lot of fun. To me, Dressed for Sunday is a reminder to have fun, be in the moment and not take life too seriously.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

Dressed for Sunday is all about those little finishing touches that make an outfit. Sometimes I’ll see something in an old photograph or film that forms the very beginning of an idea. Other times, its prints, textures and colour that evoke a particular feeling which I want to channel into my collection. I’ve always been taken with the fashions of the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s, which you can see through some of my pieces. For instance, the inspiration for my laser cut timber and crystal range came from seeing a beautiful 1930s rhinestone brooch in a film.

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

At the moment, my favourite product would have to be bow ties. While I personally don’t wear them, they do speak to a particular style. Whenever I have a few finished and waiting to be packaged or I’m setting them up at markets, I fall a little more in love with them!

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Tea

Music to fuel my making mood

Strawberry smoothies (over summer they’re my go-to snack for something quick, sweet and filling) 

A good book to catch some down time

My parents and their wonderful helping hands

What next?

In the short term, I’m concentrating on creating a website to bring Dressed for Sunday to an online audience. In the long term, I want to keep designing and making lovely things and building a beautiful brand.

Oh Darling!

Today it gives me great pleasure to introduce one of our new stallholders to the Hustle&Scout family - the Darling Sisters. The Darling Sisters are dedicated to bringing vintage-inspired fashion to the ladies of Canberra and beyond. Catering to all shapes and sizes, the Darling Sisters offer a wide range of reproduction vintage pieces for the modern woman, stocking favourite labels such as Bettie Page and Effie's Heart. 

I had a chat with the the glamorous duo and creative brains behind the Darling Sisters, and this is what I discovered...

Tell me a little bit about the Darling Sisters' shop and mission.

 Darling Central is our Happy Place, a slice of vintagey gorgeousness tucked away in the picturesque heritage landscape of Gold Creek, Nicholls - right beside the George Harcourt Inn (we're not silly!)

Our pretty, be-chandelier'd shop is stocked with the most gorgeous vintage-inspired fashion and accessories that we could source across the world. We have daywear, business wear, evening wear, wedding gowns, lingerie and exquisite accessories to match. From Edwardian gowns and beaded twenties frocks, through to fifties and sixties cocktail numbers, we cover the most glamorous decades of the twentieth century. All of our stock is new and made with love and care, sourced from the UK, US and Europe as well as Australia. We also have a special selection of genuine vintage accessories, because sometimes you need a little something unique.

We are especially proud of our excellent range of sizes, and of the fact that we support ethical, small businesses. Our brands across the world are small, usually family-owned businesses, and most of our garments were handmade with care and love.

Who are Darla and Blossom?

 Darla and Blossom are the Darling Sisters, in love with all things classical, beautiful and charming. For many years we were Canberra's own Charm and Deportment teachers, and we both have heritage and arts backgrounds. We always longed to own the sort of shop that we ourselves love: pretty, full of character and bursting with exquisite treats. Darling Central is our expression of the way we wish things could always be: lovely surroundings, friendly and personal service, and high quality fashion. A very old-fashioned shopping experience - but with modern sizing and convenience!

What can lovely things can punters expect to find from you at the next market?

 We thought we would bring a tasty selection-box of garments and accessories that reflect a range of eras: sort of a degustation of our treats. A combination of daywear, business wear and formal wear, suitable for the holiday season in Canberra. So the punters can have an excuse to pick up something extra special in time for that fabulous party - not that anybody needs an excuse ...

What is it about vintage styles and silhouettes that you love?

 We love that everybody can wear vintage style and look glorious in it. Classics become classics for a reason: they have withstood the test of time. Anybody, no matter their size, shape, appearance and tastes, can find a vintage look that they love. We especially adore the way our customers wear vintage style with their own particular, modern flare. We know our fashion history backwards but are not purists: it's brilliant when people mix it up to suit their own style.

If you could give anyone a make-over, who would it be? Why?

 Honestly? We love it when people find their inner selves at Darling Central, especially when they are going through life changes and seeking to express themselves in a new, satisfying way. Our perfect customer is somebody who has never tried vintage style, and who comes in looking for more than an outfit: they are looking for a whole new life. We have had people - of all genders -discover their glamorous new look at Darling Central, and when we see somebody burst out of the shop into the world, full of excitement and confidence, we remember exactly why we opened the shop in the first place.

We want to give makeovers to anybody who is ready for a new chapter in their lives. Anybody who thinks that fashion is frivolous would quickly change their minds when they see how empowering a form of self-expression it can be.

What are 5 things the Darling Sisters can’t live without?

 Our incredible, professional shop staff, the Darling Flamingos

Those delightful, creative, hilarious, zany, talented people we are proud to call our customers

Tea: by the bucketful, early and often

Really good lipstick

Each other

http://www.thedarlingsisters.com/

ZARIĆ...special and spirited

At the inaugural Hustle&Scout, we welcomed Nastia Zaric and her whimsy label, ZARIĆ Jewellery, to the line-up of quality selected fashion stalls. Sharing a stall with her good friends Jade Stone (of Jade Stone handbags) and Zoe Brown (of fashion label Wnd.lnd), Nastia's range of handmade pastel pieces were a perfect fit for the Hustle&Scout vision, encompassing a bit of quirk, and something very unique. Nastia will be returning to the next Hustle&Scout on 14 December, and we are very excited to have her on board once again. 

Not knowing a lot about Nastia in the lead up to the first market, I decided to take this opportunity to ask her some questions about herself and her practice. I believe having a deeper insight into a designer can really bring more life to their work. It also makes me happy to learn a little more about the beautiful people that help to make Hustle&Scout what it is... 

Photo: Bel Combridge Photography

How did you get into jewellery-making? 
When I was younger, my mother was a fine jewellery designer & my father a ceramic potter; both coming from a long line of artists in the family. Growing up I learnt aspects of both their crafts and the passion behind them. I'd definitely say the creation of ZARIĆ Jewellery is a big reflection of this. 

How would you describe your label’s design aesthetic?

ZARIĆ aesthetic is eclectic, usually colourful, whimsical and playful. I like to think that the ones who are drawn to my work are people that appreciate handmade jewellery pieces that are special and spirited. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

Inspiration throughout a design process can be drawn from almost anywhere, the most exciting ideas come from the most unconventional sources. From illustrations in 1980's foreign magazines to the colours in an animated Miyazaki film.

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

The first that came to mind was Vivienne Westwood. I have been in absolute awe of her work for so many years, & she has such a unique aesthetic and personal style.  

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

There's one pair of earrings I have in mind from my very first experimental mini range. With a vision in my mind, I remember the satisfaction of looking at the finished product after hours and hours trying new techniques and materials. 

What is your favourite object in your workshop?

It would probably be my cabinet of gemstones. I've always found precious natural stones to be so magical, and have quite a collection to be honest. Definitely something I plan on working more with in the future!

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

Hopefully travelling with my craft. I plan to remain a sole trader, but there are so many talented people in world to meet, places to see, techniques to learn!

What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Genuine people, travel, great music, a creative outlet & my dog/best friend

Designer, Nastia Zaric, wearing one of her quartz studded chokers
Photo: Danièle Martinie

3 must-see fashion events for November

The flame of Canberra fashion has been burning bright in 2013, and there is not a flicker of doubt that it will continue to burn steady and strong into 2014. November, in particular, is shaping up to be a fashionable month in Canberra - with various creative groups collaborating on new projects around town. There are three must-see fashion-focussed events on the horizon this month, all unique and innovative in their own right.

1. FAST FASHION 

When: Tuesday 5 November 2-4pm (Melbourne Cup Day)
Where: Belconnen Arts Centre
How much: Free!

Don't have any plans for Melbourne Cup day? Well, you do now! Head on over to the Belconnen Arts Centre to watch the races, enjoy a glass of bubbles from the indoor and outdoor bars and see the CIT Fashion and Design Students showcase their latest designs with a free fashion show. Looking for a fascinator to take along to the event? Drop into Assemblage Project on Lonsdale Street where local design label, Sovata, is currently selling some of her colourful and sculptural hats. 

If you're keen to get along and join in these festivities, RSVP to info@belconnenartscentre.com.au.

2. VILLAINESS

When: 7 - 9 November (Launch 7pm | 7 November)
Where: Kaori Gallery, (Canberra City Framing Gallery)
How much: Free!

As someone that works full-time in an art gallery, my time spent visiting exhibitions outside of work is surprisingly slim...largely because I live and breathe it every day. That being said, however, I am very excited to get along to this upcoming exhibition featuring a fashion shoot series of 10 famous villains. Who wouldn't be keen to see the big bad wolf re-conceptualised through a glamour fashion shoot? The exhibition, which is a collaboration between Georgia Kartas of Red Magpie fashion blog, photographer Elly Freer and make-up artist Laura McCleane, will also showcase a range of local designer pieces from labels such as SZN, Edition and Sofia Polak, and from milliners such as Annika Hutchins, Bronwen Stead and Amanda Rowen.

3. CAPTURE

When: 21 - 27 November
Where: Westfield Belconnen
How much: Free!

'Capture' is an innovative fashion design exhibition brought to you by the CIT fashion graduates of 2013. Some of the designers working hard to bring this event to fruition include Holly Squair (Character), Aderyn Langham (Aderyn Aderyn) and Philippa Soutberg (Recollection). If you would like to support these students in bringing together this celebration of local talent and fresh design thinking, you can jump on the 'Shout for Good' app (click on the 'C@pture' option) or website https://shoutforgood.com/shout. In the meantime, here's a little teaser for the event:

C@PTURE 2013 Promo from James van der Moezel on Vimeo.