ONE FELL SWOOP

From one of the most remotest cities in the world comes a fashion label that would be equally at home in the ateliers of Paris or Milan. We catch up with the Perth based design duo Nina Ergic and Dan Romanin behind One Fell Swoop.

1.Tell us about the One Fell Swoop journey and how the brand was founded.

We began the label in February 2005. Nina and I first met while studying fashion and it was clear from the beginning with our European backgrounds, enthusiasm, and work ethic that we would be either fierce competitors or inspiring allies. We luckily fell into the later and became closely linked creatively.

After finishing college, it was an obvious progression. We leased a little cottage in West Perth and began to diffuse our graduate collections into more accessible shapes. From the beginning we were dedicated in our design practice, and to a local make.

2.How important is it to you to use natural fabrics in your collections? Initially we only worked with natural fibres predominately silk’s, wools and cotton blends. As technology advanced, we were exposed to semi synthetic fibres derived from natural materials. Materials such as cupro and viscose alongside silk, cotton and linen blends have become staples in the fabrications we use seasonally.

3.How do you find inspiration for your designs?

Opposed to seasonal inspiration we experiment with volume, form, shape, and fabric. Every piece is draped on a mannequin; our shapes elevate the figure and accent the cloth. Our designs are about technique and manipulation, they are not traditional in design, or conformist to

trends, nor fast fashion to be consumed by the masses. Our ideas are as true today as when we began. Combining the historical with the modern, the theatrical with the austere and the organic with the structured.

More than just dressmaking we are sculpting forward thinking forms, an expression in cloth for our woman’s modern life. Spontaneous and full of life, existing to enhance every experience our pieces are to create memories in.

4.What are the benefits and challenges of working in a design partnership?

The benefits far outweigh the challenges! Being in a partnership allows us to bring our individual strengths to the business. Leaning on each other in the harder times and not experiencing the highs alone but as a team.

We have incredibly close relationships with our staff, suppliers, and contractors they are equally apart of the story of One Fell Swoop as Nina and I are.

5.How do you think the fashion industry will evolve in Australia over the next ten years?

It is impossible to say! There has been a clear increase in the confidence buyers have in online shopping, making the market more accessible but also more competitive. So much varies on the market you’re in and the product your offering.

From the appointments we do in house and the overwhelming amount of online communication we have with our clients

there is a genuine desire for hands on customer service and the knowledge and experience that comes with getting tailored service.

I believe our clients are more aware and conscious of exactly what they are buying, how unique it is and the quality.

6.You’re based in Western Australia, one of the most remote parts of the globe, has that provided any unique challenges or benefits to your success? The main positive of being so isolated is that we are less influenced by the trends and superfluous noise allowing us a level of authenticity to what we create and the ability to be unwaveringly true to the brand and our clients.

The downside of this is having to work harder to be recognised equally as labels based in larger cities, whom being on the ground have greater accessibility and influence.

7. What is next on the horizon for One Fell Swoop?

For 2022 a key focus for us is to expand internationally, we are doing more work in the US and building our European profile. We want to continue to reach more celebrities worldwide, seeing Desi Perkins wearing our designs saw such great traction for us, and finding new local retailers nationally will also be key, especially now that travel is in sight across the country.

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