Sandgropers strut national fashion stage

by Natalia Machado

April 23, 2008

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN designers are set to make their mark at the inaugural Rosemount Australian Fashion Week to be held in Sydney from April 28 to May 2.

Colour, bold fabrics and striking designs will dominate the show’s WA stage, setting a precedent for national designers to follow. Subtlety and safety are being rejected in favour of larger-than-life accessories, floral prints, old-school glamour, and loud and bright fun.

 “We are nervous but very excited about participating next week,” said Fenella Peacock, one of the designers at Antipodium, based in Pakenham St, Fremantle. “We’re very proud to be representing Western Australian fashion.

“We love it here, we manufacture here, we employ local workers, our main office is here, we’re influenced by local aspects of Western Australian culture and with this iconic branding we’re going to breathe fresh air into the national and international fashion industry.” 

Having started the label in London, WA expats Peacock, Geoffrey Finch, and Ashe Peacock have turned their sights back to Australia. The trio hopes to shock, inspire and wow audiences with their new range ‘Friends in low places’, which will showcase at the Sydney show.

Their new range is inspired by 18^th century looks, teaming them up with modern influences -  from florals, moleskin fabrics, gingham, 50’s styling and structured tailoring to looser T-dresses and key bodysuits.

“Because we have great stockists in both London and Australia, we like, in all our ranges, to incorporate the looseness of Australian fashion versus the structure of British fashion,” Peacock said.

Ferndale-based fashion upstart label ADAM Wore Short Pants will also be showing for the first time at the show - in the New Generation section that has seen the launch of such international Australian labels as Ksubi and Material Boy.

“I’ll be showing my Spring/Summer collection and it will be essentially a very bright and fun show,” said Short Pants designer Kathryn Prior. “I’ll be using very large accessories, bold colours and statement prints.

“I think that Western Australian designers are doing very well in terms of getting exposure in fashion and I’m very proud to be exhibiting at fashion week and representing Western Australia.”

Antipodium will be showing on Thursday May 1, and ADAM Wore Short Pants Friday May 2.