What's In For Spring - Part 1

Although Melbourne weather is very unpredictable it seems like Spring could finally be here! To get you thinking about what will be in your wardrobe this season, I've put together a few of my favourite looks from some of my favourite designers and retailers.

NEVENKA

Nevenka's romantic and bohemian Love Collection is perfect for beachside getways and balmy nights.

PAMELA USANTO

If you are looking for the perfect races dress, Pamela Usanto's range of feminine pieces can help you standout trackside.

MOLTEN STORE

With a range of unique jewellery, Molten Store has amazing standout pieces which will complement any outfit.

TREASURETTE
New to the Melbourne fashion scene, Treasurette is quickly becoming the go to place for edgy, unique accessories which will stand out in any crowd.

GREEN WITH ENVY

Stocking a range of designers such a Rachel Gilbert, Nicholas, Dion Lee, Josh Goot and Ginger & Smart, Green With Envy is the perfect place to find a dress for any occasion!

CAMEO

Featuring cute prints and cutout detailing, Cameo will have you in fashion this season without breaking the bank!

TONY BIANCO

With an amazing range of on trend styles, Tony Bianco is a one-stop shop for shoe-loving fashionistas this Spring and Summer.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Images from Nevenka, Pamela Usanto, Molten Store, Green With Envy, Cameo, Tony Bianco, Treasurette

An Afternoon With Pamela Usanto

After catching my eye with her beautiful feminine designs, I was keen to learn more about Melbourne designer Pamela Usanto. With the release of her latest collection Très Jolie, I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with Pamela and have a sneak peak of her new designs.

Located in the beautiful Salon XVI, Pamela's beautifully decorated showroom is the perfect place to have a chat and cup of tea whilst admiring Pamela's beautiful pieces.

The Très Jolie collection features lace, coral, grey, black and lots of delicate beading. The collection is tran-seasonal with the beautiful pieces perfect with sandals for warmer weather and a blazer and tights for the colder seasons.

With chain stores gradually taking over the Australian retail landscape, it can be difficult to find garments which are not mass produced. Pamela only makes a small number of each piece to maintain the exclusivity of each garment.

Ashleigh Cummings (center) at the
AFI Awards in one of Pamela's
beautiful gowns

Pamela also produces beautiful couture dresses, bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses. Pamela's designs have been spotted on the red carpet on Ashleigh Cummings at the AFI Awards and on Ashleigh Brewster at the Logies. During my visit, I was lucky enough to try on the stunning Lady Grace dress Ashleigh wore to the Logies and it was so beautiful! These pieces have an amazing attention to detail with Pamela hand sewing on all the beading herself. The pictures don't do justice to the beautiful pieces and you really have to see them in person to appreciate their beauty.

If you are interested in checking out Pamela's new collection and couture and bridal gowns contact Pamela on 0430 842 448 or info@pamelausanto.com to arrange an appointment.

Salon XVI and Pamela's workspace is located at Level 1 267 Bridge Road, Richmond, Melbourne.

To learn more about Pamela check out Part 1 and Part 2 of my interview with her.

Pamela was lovely enough to sketch this beautiful picture for me for my blog:

Thanks Pam for letting spend the afternoon with you! I had a great time looking at your beautiful collections and I'm sure I'll be back soon!

Check out some of the new pieces from Très Jolie, pieces from Pamela's couture and bridal collection and her beautiful workspace:

The stunning Lady Grace dress:

Pieces from the Très Jolie collection: 

Pieces from Pamela's made to measure collection:

One of Pamela's beautiful bridal gowns:

Pamela's beautiful workspace:

The beautiful Salon XVI where Pamela's workspace is located:

Images by Stylus Muse and www.zimbio.com

Interview - Pamela Usanto Part 2

In Part 1 of my interview with Pamela we learnt a bit about her background her design aesthetic. In Part 2, we learn about challenges facing up-and-coming designers, and what Pamela has planned for her label.


6. You recently dressed AFI young best actress nominee Ashleigh Cummings, and Ashleigh Brewer at the Logies. How can dressing celebrities be beneficial for your label?
For a young designer like me, I am just happy to be given the opportunity. At the end of the day, I just want my clients to look confident and beautiful when they wear my designs. 


7. What are the major issues facing up-and-coming designers today?
There is not that many platforms that provide mentoring for young designers in Melbourne. I know most designers are very hush hush about their label, considering the competitiveness of this industry. 


I had to pretty much work my way alone, doing mistakes, and learning it the hard way. I just hope that there will be more opportunities for us to grow  (e.g. fashion shows, trade shows, etc.).


8. You have been involved in fashion events such as Catwalk Circus and The Design Awards for Myer’s Fashions on the Fields. Have you found the Australian fashion industry to be supportive?
I think a fashion show is just a show. It will only publicise your work for that moment. If you are lucky, other people will discover you and then you can build your fan base. 


Australian fashion industry is quite small, yet in my opinion, biased. They are more supportive to the labels that they already recognize. For the designers who are just starting, they have to work really hard to get somewhere. 


9. What are your plans for your label over the next 5 years?
My plan is to design more beautiful dresses, it sounds simple yet hard to achieve. 


For me, there is no point in aiming for fame or fortune, because at the end of the day I make clothes because I love it, and I want those who wear my clothes to feel happy and beautiful.


10. What do you love most about your job?
I love the process of being able to create something from a simple idea, to a finished garment.  


On top of that, it is just my personal satisfaction that I am finally doing what I have always wanted to do, so no matter how stressful or tiring it is, at the end of the day I just love it.

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The fashion industry is so competitive and as consumers, we are not always aware of the struggles that go into starting a label. It's great to get an insight from talented up-and-coming designers such as Pamela to allow us to appreciate their work more.

All the best for the future Pamela! 

Checkout Pamela's website here.

Find Pamela on Facebook here.

Follow Pamela's blog here.

Here are some of the beautiful pieces from Pamela's Madam Rose 2011 collection:

Images courtesy of http://pamelausanto.com and http://stylemelbourne.com