Since 2006, the highly coveted Debut has become a prestigious industry entry platform and design competition for new fashion and accessory labels at Fashion Exposed. Anticipating its 13th season and celebrating over 150 labels launching their fashion profile at Debut, including Limedrop, Alexi Freeman, Trimapee, Since Grey, Kuwaii, Donna Sgro, Sebastian’s Sister and Eternal Safari…
Debut is the place to be at Fashion Exposed Sydney 12-14 Feb 2012, Australasia’s premiere fashion trade fair co-located with Bags & Accessories Fair and Australian Shoe Fair.
Each year the line-up continues to dazzle the Fashion Exposed judging panel, and this year was no exception.
Stella Blanche was a highlight of the Debut runway show with their daring designs. Showing creative talent from a young age, Jessica Yorston and Zoe Sandow have shared a love affair with all forms of art and started making clothes early on in their lives.
The pair both started fashion design courses at RMIT and despite Jess leaving early to work in the industry, Zoe stayed on to complete the course and the combination of their varying areas of expertise proved to be an explosive recipe.
After presenting their collection at the recent Fashion Exposed Melbourne, we asked the girls to discuss the inspiration behind their current range `Scandal & Stages’; the fabrics and technical applications of the range; and their plans to open a flagship in Melbourne.
In the diverse fashion industry, what is your brand’s point of difference? What makes your label rise up among the pack?
We see ourselves as being bold and fearless, not afraid to explore form and color in ways some designers are reluctant to approach. Our fabrics are carefully considered, we aim for the best quality, and for what people are comfortable in wearing. Our designs have certain art elements included such as hand fabric painting in multi -colors. We want to have a bit of fun with our designs and not take it too seriously – Stella Blanche is also for women who are witty and creative.
Where did the ‘Scandal & Stages’ range title come from and what was the inspiration?
Originally our ideas stemmed from Elizabethan ruffles and corset restriction, and the socially repressed 1600′s when women weren’t allowed on stage, and men had to dress up as women. Our aim was to highlight the strength of the female wearer once they appeared on stage – so combined structured and strong silhouettes with soft and draped fabrics. We tried to add a bit of androgyny, theatrical elements combined with bold feminine and crazy color combination’s.
Talk us through some of the fabrics you used and techniques?
Wools. Bamboo Jersey, Chiffon, Quilted Wool blend, Gold Metallic, Leather and Pleated Cottons. Our idea was to use quality and luxurious fabrics – contrasting sheer with opaque, structure with drape, leather straps, hand pleated cottons and gold metallic, and hand painted jersey in crazy color combinations.
How did you come to exhibit at Fashion Exposed? What was the overall feedback to your label? Was it a successful show for you?
We knew it was a great event to be apart of; sent through our application and got into the finals of top 12 ‘Emerging Designer’ at the Debut stand.
It always helps to be involved in as many industry events as possible to network and promote the label.
It was great to meet other emerging designers, and we gained feedback of all kinds which is exactly what we wanted. It’s important to know what consumers, and what the industry/buyers are looking for, but at the same time hold onto what makes us unique.
What’s next for the brand?
We are looking to expand our stockists in Melbourne and Australia, and eventually open a shop in Melbourne.
What do you hope for the future of the brand?
We’d love our own boutique, to work with other designers and collaborate with all types of artists and musicians. And eventually venture overseas with the label.
The Debut focus in Sydney is spring/summer 2012/13.
Applications in the categories apparel and accessories from new and emerging designers based in either Australia or New Zealand welcome.
No application fee and no participation fee for those selected, conditions apply.
Debut application kits are now available at www.fashionexposed.com
Applications close at 5pm AEST 26 October 2011.