ANNA CORDELL

fashion

What do you do? I’m a designer and musician. My clothing label subscribes to the slow-fashion ethos, with everything made locally as one-off pieces or in small runs.

How did your fashion journey begin? Initially, I created a small range of clothing to sell to help fund an album. It started out as a side hustle when I was pregnant with my fifth daughter. In the first range I made, there was a corduroy suit that people really loved, so for a while there, I was just making suits for my musician friends to wear on stage.

What keeps you going through hard times? My family, and collaborating with other local musicians and creatives. What do you stand for? I really want to keep this local industry alive. Melbourne used to have such a thriving fashion industry of its own, and so much of it got sent overseas to be made cheaply. Biggest challenges so far?

Working out the right business model as an independent designer. And then being confronted with lockdowns – I had to be home full-time with my kids, homeschooling them. So it was super-hard to keep up with everything, but I think I’m better at riding the waves now. How do you get inspired? I get so inspired by artists and musicians past and present. Sometimes it’s just the way I see someone dress down the street, too.

What did your high-school careers counsellor suggest you do? Be a religious leader! And then I think it was something to do with writing – definitely nothing fashion or music related. What’s your next goal? I dream of having a teeny tiny European-inspired shop space for people to come and see the clothes in real life. A spot where people could get measured up for custom suits and select their fabrics. I have a little studio behind a café now, but it’s all by appointment. I’m also hoping to release an EP some time next year. It may take longer in the current circumstances, but I don’t mind.

Why did you enter the Good Stuff awards? A friend sent it to me and said, “You should enter this!” I’m a huge fan of frankie mag and so are my older daughters, so it was an exciting opportunity. The chance to be mentored by Kristy Barber from Kuwaii was a huge drawcard for me; I’m looking forward to that so much. What would you have

been voted ‘Most likely to’ back in high school? My friends voted me ‘most likely to have heaps of kids’. I have five, so I guess they nailed that one! Where can we see your

work? Online at annacordellclothing.com or on Instagram at @annacordellclothing. People can also make appointments to come to the studio for custom suits.

Video judge Maya Newell says: This film clip is beautifully Fchaosrheiognrjaupdhgeed,kwristhtyabsahrabreprasnadycso: manpneall’isngbupseirnfoersms aisnqceuibtey uitnsiyqouuenbgesitnagr.mitahdaes-aton-emvoelavsinugrea.nidaslsuorptrhiisninkgsnhaerhratsivae sthtraotng icnodmivmidaunadlspoiunrtaotftevnietwionth. Ialtocvoemd tehsefdroivmersbeicnagsteinmgbaenddethdeimn es Mofeglebnoduernr en’osnmcounsfiocrmcuilttyuarned. self-expression – these are still rarely seen on mainstream screens.