STATUS UPDATE
A new season can bring with it the urge for a sartorial start-over. But sometimes all it takes is one key piece to make everything feel new again. Here are the homegrown names to know and the steals to covet
Our favourite homegrown labels reveal their hero pieces for the new season.
THE PIECE: THE FOUR-WAY BAG
The label: SANS BEAST.
The backstory: Cathryn Wills, former managing and creative director of Mimco, conceived her vegan accessories brand after going vegetarian in 2015. Utilising high-quality materials from nonanimal sources, the “eco-responsible” bags of her first collection are inspired by women of the French Resistance.
Why you need it: “Gender-neutral styling is playing a big part in fashion today, and this bag talks to the rise of utilitarian influences,” she says.
How to wear it: “The strap has two adjustable buckles with several eyelets for varying length options, so it can be a hip bag, shoulder bag or clutch if you add a wrist strap. But my favourite styling option is strapped at the waist.”
THE PIECE: THE VICTORIAN BLOUSE
The label: NICE MARTIN.
The backstory: For Jody Feldhofer and Jessica Cadby, price never outweighs ethical means or individuality when it comes to their range of effortlessly cool clothes. Their MO is affordable style reminiscent of the Australian summer (and possibly cult flick Picnic At Hanging Rock), no matter the weather.
Why you need it: “The Iris blouse was influenced in particular by Parisian style, then we added the contrast stitching and textured fabric to give it a street look.”
How to wear it: “We love to mix feminine pieces with masculine shapes, footwear and accessories. Layer your shirting under dresses, then add a blazer and boots.”
THE PIECE: THE RELAXED TRENCH
The label: ZULU & ZEPHYR.
The backstory: This Australian brand has built a cult following thanks to its breezy swimwear and easy separates. This season, they teamed up with Lara Worthington, who creatively directed the campaign for Cami, a nature-inspired collection described by designer Karla Rose as “the collection that stirs the dust”.
Why you need it: “We’ve updated the classic trench by using a natural fabrication called ramie, our signature tortoiseshell buttons and sleeve ties for an unexpected take on a wardrobe staple,” Rose says.
How to wear it: “Create a masculine look by pairing with culottes, or take a feminine approach by styling it with a slip dress.”
THE PIECE: TRANS-SEASONAL SHORTS
The label: CAVES COLLECT.
The backstory: Melbourne-based duo Sarah Russell and Johanna Howe don’t design in traditional collections; rather, they’re constantly creating, with their designs produced in small runs by local makers. All the pieces have the same ethos: “Simplicity, quality materials and attention to fit” – so they’ll be right at home in your well-consolidated wardrobe.
Why you need them: A pair of tailored shorts are the new trousers this winter. “The classic cut and textured fabrication are what make the Tilda shorts.”
How to wear them: “We love to design things that are trans-seasonal. We wear ours in summer with sandals and in cool weather with stockings and brogues.”