melbourne-based label Marniinako is the brainchild of experienced design team Niko Georgiadis and Marina Georgiadis and focuses on beautiful detailing and quality hand craftsmanship matched with exclusive hand screen printed fabrics, building on the success of Niko’s creative direction of the successful Georgiadis and Chemical Three labels.
Relative newcomer Nina Maya Skrzynski launched her first sellout range in March 2006. Head buyer of David Jones’ women’s wear Damian Burke says Nina Maya’s success is largely due to the designer’s understanding of print and colour and her focus on producing designs that are young and fresh.
Sisters Josephine Verduci and Michelle Verduci-Smith are the duo behind successful Melbourne fashion label Verduci-Smith. The label aims to reflect the designers’ European ancestry in an energetic Australian way with creations highlighting their love of beautiful and timeless silks, vintage beading and hand sewn detailing.
Another acclaimed young designer whose debut collection showcased this year Gina Kim provides glamorous evening wear and a modern take on day wear, demonstrating her ability to incorporate innovative textiles and fabrics into her designs.
katie Hosking’s first collection launched for Spring/Summer 07/08 is created around her appreciation of print and pattern. Each print is created by Katie and every garment is delicately handmade in Australia using traditional printing and colouring techniques on the finest quality knit fabrics, such as pure silk, cotton and high grade merino wool.
Accessories will include the artful efforts of Kim McClintock under the label Ghost & Lola. The exquisite one-off pieces merge vintage jewellery with elements from around the world. After launching during Milan Fashion Week 2006, Ghost & Lola has been signed up for six seasons at the famous fashion festival and is already sold in more than 15 countries.
Kimono Collections will further dress the occasion with handbags inspired by authentic silk wedding kimonos. Designer Donna Webster creates ornate and delicate bags that she considers to be “precious, wearable pieces of art”. The bags are created using kimonos from Japan which are unstitched by hand, treated with a patented protectant and traditionally crafted, with hand-turned, sanded and lacquered handles made from Australian sustainable timber.
Sponsors for AusStyle 2007 include The Monarch Dubai, HSBC Bank International, ModelCraft, Lexus, as well as Aldo, Etihad Airways, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Oreal Profissionnel, Model Co, Pinctada Pearls and Quintessentially.
