Growing up among a family of dressmakers and designers, fashion runs through Alex Monte-Vasta’s veins. Fortunately her textile and design teachers recognised this talent early on and nurtured her passion through highschool.
Three years later, she enrolled in a fashion degree at the prestigious, Whitehouse Institute of Design that would see her walk away with some `pretty serious training’. Since graduation, Alex told Fashion Exposed Blog she has been non-stop designing, travelling and thinking about Alex Flamingo.
We are proud to announce her label, Alex Flamingo as a finalist in the Debut competition at the Melbourne Fashion Exposed trade event.
Read our intimate chat with the emerging designer where she reveals the rock’n'roll inspiration behind her `Rule the Night’ collection; the story behind the brand name; and the collection’s highlight pieces – think Iggy Pop pants and Jagger capes.
Tell us a little about your debut collection which will launch at the Fashion Exposed Debut competition. Can you explain where you sourced your inspiration and why you were drawn to this for the design of the range?
Sequins, faux fur, velvet – ‘Rule the Night’ is Alex Flamingo in its most honest form. Always inspired by fashion icons, rock + roll and musicians, I took my thoughts and own dreams to Hollywood and Vegas. The experience coupled with a few moments made me realise that I had to stick to my guns with Alex Flamingo. I came home with a few sketches and within a few months, ‘Rule the Night’ had taken shape.
Where did you source the name? Can you tell us the story behind it?
I have a very femme first name so I made the decision to cut my name back and use Alex. I almost wanted a stage name. You know when you hear ‘Alice Cooper, Nikki Sixx’, that’s what I wanted – a name that had the same type of sound. I love flamingos outside of music and Alex Flamingo had a nice ring to it.
What are the highlight pieces of the collection?
Definitely the oversized, long faux fox fur ‘Jagger’ cape, cotton velvet ‘Monet’ vest and silver skinny leg ‘Iggy’ silk satin pant!
How did it feel to be announced as a finalist in Fashion Exposed? What do you hope to gain by exhibiting here?
Insanely overwhelming and very exciting! Being selected as a finalist is a massive honour and I look forward to networking and sharing Alex Flamingo with the industry. Fashion Exposed has given me the opportunity via Debut to do that in August and I can’t wait!
What’s in store for the future of the brand?
So, so many things! My top two – men’s resort wear and export!