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| The New York Optimist |
Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival is here again, Australia’s largest horse
racing event that starts at the beginning of spring, which attracts 10’s of
thousands local and International bidders and Riders throughout the season.
From September running through to November, you can await Flemington Race
course to be quiet eventful and colourful, this is one event you can also expect to see
our laid back Aussie men, proudly wearing their suits boldly, along with polished
shoes, crisp shirts and bright funky ties. Though the focus on this event does stand
with the Ladies, it’s all in the Fascinators and Broad rim hats, not to mention outfits
that make a statement, some so outrages, it may as well be classes as costume. You
will find fashion parades, make-up stands, flowing Champaign and of course ongoing
racing, bidding and lots of cheering.
There are numerous of Fashion openings, during the Racing season. Where
Designers launch their glamorous new outfits for this particular event. Across
Melbourne and most States, you will find ongoing Fashion events being held in the
city square, clubs, bars and even gardens. No matter how big or small, there is
something in it for everyone.
Recently attending the ultimate “Spring Carnival Fashion show” at Club Eve.
Where Jacinta Catherine and stylist Desiree McPhee from Style id, launch the
Jacinta Catherine label.
Despite all the chaos in the back room, with fittings and quick alterations of
garments. The show and night was quite successful and entertaining. Dean
Podmore a fashion photographer, also drops in to capture some behind the scene
shots, grasping on camera, a ray of vibrant colours, fascinators, soft and flowing
fabrics, with orange and purple being the latest seasonal trend. Garments so beautifully
demonstrated by the Models at Eve, as they strut down the grass strip run way,
bewitched by the crowd. I speak with both Jacinta Catherine and Desiree Mcphee
from Style Id, about how their experience within the Fashion Industry has shaped their
careers.
Interviewing the Creative Desiree Mcphee From Style Id:
Kaliopy: How was Style ID created?
Desiree Mcphee: Style id was created by me when I moved to Melbourne from London
at the beginning of 2007. Partially I wanted to keep my own name for myself, but the idea
that essentially what I was doing was creating a 'Style Identity' for my clients very much
appealed to me - thus 'Style id'. Also, I wanted to create a company (and possibly eventually
a brand), under which I could work creatively and eventually add further employees and
collaborators. Style id is an ever growing entity and I love that.
Kaliopy: As a Fashion consultant, you have also branched out into Film, Music clips &
even Hair Show parades, tell me how this has unfolded?
Desiree Mcphee: I have been incredibly lucky to work some amazingly talented and
creative people since arriving in Melbourne.
I first worked with local designer John Giovanoglou of Inksoffjohn, which then lead to
collaborative work with Emdo_db creative; and a series of shoots and corporate re-branding
and merchandising campaigns. This eventually lead to becoming involved with costume
design for a large number of corporate hospitality hostesses at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix
and the Melbourne Cup, as well as work with clients such as international hairdressing chain
Toni & Guy for both editorial shoots and runway shows.
In addition to this my role as Costume Designer on local feature films 'From Parts
Unknown' and 'Jasper' was not only brilliant fun; but it gave me the opportunity to meet
and further collaborate with many talented people, and working with Empire Records meant
the chance to style music videos with emerging artists such as Jenna Dwyer and Medee Bear
and also work with them creating their image. More recently collaborations with local
designers such as Effie from Mazi, Natalie from Claudia Savage, Eva of Eva Q Designs and
of course Jacinta from Jacinta Catherine, has meant life is crazy busy, colourful and never
dull - and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Kaliopy: How was Style ID created?
Desiree Mcphee: Style id was created by me when I moved to Melbourne from London
at the beginning of 2007. Partially I wanted to keep my own name for myself, but the idea
that essentially what I was doing was creating a 'Style Identity' for my clients very much
appealed to me - thus 'Style id'. Also, I wanted to create a company (and possibly eventually
a brand), under which I could work creatively and eventually add further employees and
collaborators. Style id is an ever growing entity and I love that.
Kaliopy: As a Fashion consultant, you have also branched out into Film, Music clips &
even Hair Show parades, tell me how this has unfolded?
Desiree Mcphee: I have been incredibly lucky to work some amazingly talented and
creative people since arriving in Melbourne.
I first worked with local designer John Giovanoglou of Inksoffjohn, which then lead to
collaborative work with Emdo_db creative; and a series of shoots and corporate re-branding
and merchandising campaigns. This eventually lead to becoming involved with costume
design for a large number of corporate hospitality hostesses at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix
and the Melbourne Cup, as well as work with clients such as international hairdressing chain
Toni & Guy for both editorial shoots and runway shows.
In addition to this my role as Costume Designer on local feature films 'From Parts
Unknown' and 'Jasper' was not only brilliant fun; but it gave me the opportunity to meet
and further collaborate with many talented people, and working with Empire Records meant
the chance to style music videos with emerging artists such as Jenna Dwyer and Medee Bear
and also work with them creating their image. More recently collaborations with local
designers such as Effie from Mazi, Natalie from Claudia Savage, Eva of Eva Q Designs and
of course Jacinta from Jacinta Catherine, has meant life is crazy busy, colourful and never
dull - and I wouldn't have it any other way.
| Fashion From Australia Kaliopy Interviews Designers Desiree Mcphee & Jacinta Catherine |
Kaliopy: You have lived in London, Europe, and have also spent time in New York; -
now that your residing in Melbourne, Australia, how do you see our fashion here,
compared to fashion capitals like London and NYC?
Desiree Mcphee: Melbourne has such a unique and inspired style. I was excited
(and relieved) to see how fearless people are here. I adore the fact that within a few
blocks you can walk past a gothic beauty with the most beautiful corset and tiniest
waist you've ever seen, a retro-chic 40's inspired ensemble, and then be assaulted by mad
colour and sky-high heels or designer dresses teamed with converse trainers. Though
much like NYC or London; Melbournians are fond of black, - the streets are filled with
interesting and creative people doing it their own way - there's no feeling that they are
concerned or competing with anyone or anywhere... (except perhaps with Sydney but
everyone knows that Melbourne Fashion won that war ages ago - they just don't tell the
Sydneysiders....sssshhhh).
Kaliopy: What inspired you to become a fashion stylist?
Desiree Mcphee: From a young age I loved dressing up and putting together outfits
from the nearest wardrobe for whomever was close enough to be my victim. The
outfits would then have to be photographed of course, and to this day there are pictures of
my poor younger brother at the age of 4 wearing a red hat, black fingerless lace gloves and
a some sort of rose corsage or whatever other ensemble I deemed wonderful at the time.
Growing up I adored books, old films, art, music and pop culture, and spent my time
soaking up everything I could.....to this day my favourite lazy way of being inspired is
watching an old film or old music video's late at night.... when I eventually realised I could
have a job re-creating the visions in my head - it just seemed silly to be doing anything else.
now that your residing in Melbourne, Australia, how do you see our fashion here,
compared to fashion capitals like London and NYC?
Desiree Mcphee: Melbourne has such a unique and inspired style. I was excited
(and relieved) to see how fearless people are here. I adore the fact that within a few
blocks you can walk past a gothic beauty with the most beautiful corset and tiniest
waist you've ever seen, a retro-chic 40's inspired ensemble, and then be assaulted by mad
colour and sky-high heels or designer dresses teamed with converse trainers. Though
much like NYC or London; Melbournians are fond of black, - the streets are filled with
interesting and creative people doing it their own way - there's no feeling that they are
concerned or competing with anyone or anywhere... (except perhaps with Sydney but
everyone knows that Melbourne Fashion won that war ages ago - they just don't tell the
Sydneysiders....sssshhhh).
Kaliopy: What inspired you to become a fashion stylist?
Desiree Mcphee: From a young age I loved dressing up and putting together outfits
from the nearest wardrobe for whomever was close enough to be my victim. The
outfits would then have to be photographed of course, and to this day there are pictures of
my poor younger brother at the age of 4 wearing a red hat, black fingerless lace gloves and
a some sort of rose corsage or whatever other ensemble I deemed wonderful at the time.
Growing up I adored books, old films, art, music and pop culture, and spent my time
soaking up everything I could.....to this day my favourite lazy way of being inspired is
watching an old film or old music video's late at night.... when I eventually realised I could
have a job re-creating the visions in my head - it just seemed silly to be doing anything else.
Kaliopy: Tell me a little about the Spring Fashion show 1st Oct?
Desiree Mcphee: Its a wonderful opportunity to see what's going on this season
in terms of trends and styles, and showcase the truly wide variety Jacinta
Catherine has in store. We have deliberately picked a range of dresses and models
to reflect looks for different ages, tastes and shapes. The Spring Racing Carnival is
such an exciting time here in Melbourne so we wanted to find a way of making the
build-up and the choice of what to wear as much fun as the racing events themselves.
In terms of my top picks for the racing season.... purple and orange are also such
strong colours at the moment - I adore them both, and yellow is everywhere and in so
many different shades you'll definitely find one to suit you. My favourite fascinator
for this season are Jacinta's little top hats with netting - its a little nod to posh
equestrian elegance, while still being so much fun ....and that after all is what dressing
up for the Spring Carnival is all about.
Kaliopy: And lastly, where can we expect to see your creative hands after the
spring racing fashion show?
Desiree Mcphee: Both feature films I worked on are due out at the end of the
year and I have a few shoots coming up - one of which is a collaborative shoot
with both a haute couture and mainstream designer here in Melbourne. I've
chosen an Alice in Wonderland theme, which has been fantastic fun to work on. The
theme isn't new, but I think interpreting and inter-twinning the quite different
creations of the two designers will result in something special. I have also been
working with an aspiring photographer on a group shoot in an abandoned motel which
will be edgy and exciting, and I have just begun working on writing, co-producing
and costume design for a short film with a dreamscape/nightmare theme. As
writer/co-producer it allows me to go a little bit creatively mad with costume so I am
researching all sorts of possibilities... if it looks half as good on screen as it does in
my head then hopefully it will be wonderful.
Desiree Mcphee: Its a wonderful opportunity to see what's going on this season
in terms of trends and styles, and showcase the truly wide variety Jacinta
Catherine has in store. We have deliberately picked a range of dresses and models
to reflect looks for different ages, tastes and shapes. The Spring Racing Carnival is
such an exciting time here in Melbourne so we wanted to find a way of making the
build-up and the choice of what to wear as much fun as the racing events themselves.
In terms of my top picks for the racing season.... purple and orange are also such
strong colours at the moment - I adore them both, and yellow is everywhere and in so
many different shades you'll definitely find one to suit you. My favourite fascinator
for this season are Jacinta's little top hats with netting - its a little nod to posh
equestrian elegance, while still being so much fun ....and that after all is what dressing
up for the Spring Carnival is all about.
Kaliopy: And lastly, where can we expect to see your creative hands after the
spring racing fashion show?
Desiree Mcphee: Both feature films I worked on are due out at the end of the
year and I have a few shoots coming up - one of which is a collaborative shoot
with both a haute couture and mainstream designer here in Melbourne. I've
chosen an Alice in Wonderland theme, which has been fantastic fun to work on. The
theme isn't new, but I think interpreting and inter-twinning the quite different
creations of the two designers will result in something special. I have also been
working with an aspiring photographer on a group shoot in an abandoned motel which
will be edgy and exciting, and I have just begun working on writing, co-producing
and costume design for a short film with a dreamscape/nightmare theme. As
writer/co-producer it allows me to go a little bit creatively mad with costume so I am
researching all sorts of possibilities... if it looks half as good on screen as it does in
my head then hopefully it will be wonderful.
Interviewing Jacinta Catherine, before the opening show:
Kaliopy: Tell me a little about yourself and background?
Jacinta Catherine: Since I found out about fashion designers I have always wanted
to be one and that was in year 7. So since then I have been following that dream on
a road that has been very bumpy.
Kaliopy: Did you study fashion? If so where and when, tell us more?
Jacinta Catherine: The Gordon Institute of Tafe, in Geelong. It’s a 2 year course
that was called Clothing Industry Studies. I also was self taught a lot of my sewing
skills through doing made to order garments back in my early days for extra income.
Kaliopy: How long have you been in the fashion Industry and what drove you to
become a Fashion designer?
Jacinta Catherine: I started out working at spotlight on weekends in the dress
department which was my first job. I got the job through my textiles teacher at
school who recommended me to the position.
After that I moved onto a menswear store where I worked with the owners quiet a lot.
After completing high school I went and studied Clothing industry studies at the Gordon
Institute of Tafe in Geelong.
During my design course at the Gordon I did work placement with Michelle Le Palmer and
another local designer who had a label called "Snoop". During my study at the Gordon I
started my label "Jacinta Catherine" making garments from my dorm room floor.
After studying at the Gordon institute of Tafe in Geelong for 2 years I moved back to
Warrnambool where I did a small business start up course. From this I developed my first
range selling it to some local high end boutiques across Victoria. From my first range I
made a profit of $1,000. I used this money to open up my first store in Warrnambool also
called Jacinta Catherine.
Kaliopy: Tell me a little about yourself and background?
Jacinta Catherine: Since I found out about fashion designers I have always wanted
to be one and that was in year 7. So since then I have been following that dream on
a road that has been very bumpy.
Kaliopy: Did you study fashion? If so where and when, tell us more?
Jacinta Catherine: The Gordon Institute of Tafe, in Geelong. It’s a 2 year course
that was called Clothing Industry Studies. I also was self taught a lot of my sewing
skills through doing made to order garments back in my early days for extra income.
Kaliopy: How long have you been in the fashion Industry and what drove you to
become a Fashion designer?
Jacinta Catherine: I started out working at spotlight on weekends in the dress
department which was my first job. I got the job through my textiles teacher at
school who recommended me to the position.
After that I moved onto a menswear store where I worked with the owners quiet a lot.
After completing high school I went and studied Clothing industry studies at the Gordon
Institute of Tafe in Geelong.
During my design course at the Gordon I did work placement with Michelle Le Palmer and
another local designer who had a label called "Snoop". During my study at the Gordon I
started my label "Jacinta Catherine" making garments from my dorm room floor.
After studying at the Gordon institute of Tafe in Geelong for 2 years I moved back to
Warrnambool where I did a small business start up course. From this I developed my first
range selling it to some local high end boutiques across Victoria. From my first range I
made a profit of $1,000. I used this money to open up my first store in Warrnambool also
called Jacinta Catherine.
Kaliopy: Jacinta Catherine Launch looks exciting, and Club Eve is
known for holding Fashion events like this, would this be your first
show at Eve?
Jacinta Catherine: Because I am originally from Warrnambool I
have had a few fashion shows there in the past. I also have
participated in a fashion show at Federation Square before for "May
Madness Parade “with other up and coming designers.
So this will be my own official show in Melbourne purely showcasing my
designs.
As for Eve as the venue, I have just moved to Melbourne in April and
opened my second store 102 Bridge Road Richmond. I also work at eve
so I figured what better place to hold the event!
I have had a lot of race wear experience before during my upbringing in
Warrnambool we have the May racing 3 day Carnival there. It is truly
amazing. So I thought I would base the parade around Racing because I
love it so much. The dresses, the gloves, the make-up oh and the
fascinators/hats that I also love to make and design. I once made an entire
outfit based around an umbrella I had that I wanted to match. I will have
to show you one day.
Kaliopy: What are your influences or inspirations?
Jacinta Catherine: I love getting inspiration from fabrics, textures
and colour. I usually source my fabrics and then develop from there. I
also love scrap booking magazine cut outs and using themes to design a
range. I also just ask myself a lot of the time what do I want to wear?
Kaliopy: Will this launch be focusing only Spring Racing wear?
Jacinta Catherine: Yes it is! All the models will be styled in full
spring racing outfits we even have a grass catwalk to bring the feel
of spring to the runway.
Kaliopy: I noticed Sophie Monk, has been seen in one of your
stunning outfits, was this for a particular event?
Jacinta Catherine: Oh it was so awesome that she decided that she
wanted to wear my dress. She needed something "shiny" as she was
hosting the launch of the new phone "shine" by LG in Sydney. A year or 2
ago. At the time Sophie was also friends with Nicole Richie who received
a replica of the dress. "The Checkmate Dress". The picture of Sophie in
the dress has been used quit a lot in the Sydney and Melbourne papers. I
couldn't believe it when I saw it.
known for holding Fashion events like this, would this be your first
show at Eve?
Jacinta Catherine: Because I am originally from Warrnambool I
have had a few fashion shows there in the past. I also have
participated in a fashion show at Federation Square before for "May
Madness Parade “with other up and coming designers.
So this will be my own official show in Melbourne purely showcasing my
designs.
As for Eve as the venue, I have just moved to Melbourne in April and
opened my second store 102 Bridge Road Richmond. I also work at eve
so I figured what better place to hold the event!
I have had a lot of race wear experience before during my upbringing in
Warrnambool we have the May racing 3 day Carnival there. It is truly
amazing. So I thought I would base the parade around Racing because I
love it so much. The dresses, the gloves, the make-up oh and the
fascinators/hats that I also love to make and design. I once made an entire
outfit based around an umbrella I had that I wanted to match. I will have
to show you one day.
Kaliopy: What are your influences or inspirations?
Jacinta Catherine: I love getting inspiration from fabrics, textures
and colour. I usually source my fabrics and then develop from there. I
also love scrap booking magazine cut outs and using themes to design a
range. I also just ask myself a lot of the time what do I want to wear?
Kaliopy: Will this launch be focusing only Spring Racing wear?
Jacinta Catherine: Yes it is! All the models will be styled in full
spring racing outfits we even have a grass catwalk to bring the feel
of spring to the runway.
Kaliopy: I noticed Sophie Monk, has been seen in one of your
stunning outfits, was this for a particular event?
Jacinta Catherine: Oh it was so awesome that she decided that she
wanted to wear my dress. She needed something "shiny" as she was
hosting the launch of the new phone "shine" by LG in Sydney. A year or 2
ago. At the time Sophie was also friends with Nicole Richie who received
a replica of the dress. "The Checkmate Dress". The picture of Sophie in
the dress has been used quit a lot in the Sydney and Melbourne papers. I
couldn't believe it when I saw it.
Desiree Mcphee www.styleid.com.au www.modelmayhem.com/styleid |
