Creative over conventional...

This coming Hustle&Scout (1 month away now!) we have 13 new designers on board - we are really happy with this result. One of our fresh faces will be Barbara Mickelson from BM Designs - a local designer who specialises in creative headwear, accessories and clothing for women. As you can see, BM Designs are not your mainstream fashion pieces. They're each totally one-of-a-kind and hand-crafted by Barbara using a range of hand-dyed fabrics, vintage and salvaged materials and trims. Designing and making in her workshop in the bush, Barbara is  constantly inspired by the colours, textures and forms present in nature. All of her collections are seasonal, and we can't wait to see what is in store for Autumn!

If you want to catch BM Designs on the catwalk, make sure you buy your tickets for Fashfest this year. Haven't heard of Fashfest? It is a spectacular red carpet runway event held at the award-winning Canberra Airport. The venue is a huge space, set up especially for Fashfest, with a modern industrial look. In its raw form, this space is a magnificent backdrop to showcase Canberra’s fashion talent. Barbara will be showcasing her collection on Thursday 1st May. Grab your tickets from here.

 

 

What is it about Hustle&Scout that made you want to apply to be a stallholder?

As a  designer I feel this market is breathing new life into the market scene in Canberra. It has a completely different feel to other markets.

Tell us about your label, BM Designs.

 

My label is all about individuality and difference. My headwear is creative rather than conventional. As I hand-dye silk and other fabric, and use vintage fabric and trims, no two pieces can ever be the same. I use a lot of wirework which gives my pieces form and structure. My clothing ranges use a draping and tucking technique that suits most ages and sizes and can be modified for the individual.

What challenges have you faced starting your own label, and what are some things you love about it?

Until now in Canberra it has been very difficult to market individual fashion as most people haven’t realy considered that Canberra has a fashion and design scene. This is changing with markets such as Hustle&Scout and Handmade market and the very major Fashfest event which I am very proud to be part of this year. I very much enjoy designing and creating for my label and am always thrilled when my designs are appreciated and taken home by my clients.

 

 

Some say green is the new black. How do you address values of sustainability in your designs?

In all my work I am very conscious of the environment and, although I don’t always use a no-waste cutting technique, no piece of cloth or any material is ever wasted. Anything can be used for either a headpiece, trim, accessory or even to make a button. I throw nothing out and find a use for everything eventually. I work with the material I have and only buy new when really necessary.

Can you give us a hint about your Fashfest collection?

My Fashfest collection will be all about form and colour. Expect lots of structure, individually dyed and rusted fabrics and lots of movement. Very unique and very wearable!

What can punters expect to find at the upcoming Autumn market?

I will have a collection of new silk headwear from small pieces to grand statements. My clothing will range from smaller sizes to more voluptuous and commissions can be taken to suit your colours and specifications.