6 emerging labels to watch in 2018
IMAGE VIA E NOLAN
WORDS BY GIULIA BRUGLIERA
Fresh crop.
It’s been a big year for Australian fashion. We’ve seen the arrival of some exciting new talent and with it, a fresh and innovative approach to design. Here’s who caught our attention this year. Our expectations are high for the next.
Mundame
The brainchild of emerging designer Elizabeth Hutchinson, Mundame launched last year with a debut collection that had the Fashion Journal team sit up and take note. The label’s second drop features clean designs with a clear direction – think architectural lines, clever lengths and exaggerated collars. Bonus points go to Mundame for garments that are made to order in Melbourne, lessening the label’s (and our own) environmental impact.
Coreprêt
For those who can’t bear the thought of a pencil skirt, meet Coreprêt. The brand’s focus is on conservative design that’s certainly office appropriate, but cool enough to wear beyond a fluorescent-lit room. The label is a collaboration between RMIT graduates Gabrielle Leavesley and Nessie Croft, who are also champions of ethical fashion practice. All garments are therefore designed for longevity and produced using sustainable methods and materials. Coreprêt is only just budding at the moment, but we’re excited to see what’s next.
Alys
First, it was her eponymous line, then it was her work with high street label Seduce. But it’s Magdalena Velevska’s 2017 debut that has our expectations sky high. Alys has already won the affection of many Australian influencers, with a selection of wrap styles tagged across Instagram. More recently, the brand has just launched its website, with a few select pieces available to shop on The Iconic. And if this preview is anything to go by, we’re about to become very familiar with Alys.
Queen of Pentacles
Queen of Pentacles first dropped onto our radar earlier this year, with a line of zodiac jewellery inspired by bad horoscopes. The project of local creative Tabatha Turner, QoP offers a line of 12 minimal necklaces, each spelling out a different star sign and plated in 18k gold. We’ve since seen the label drop a line of zodiac ‘merch’ with the hint of more to come. Watch this space.
E Nolan
When a label launches straight into Melbourne’s iconic retailer Le Louvre, you know to expect big things. E Nolan offers a welcome reprieve from the minimalist styles we continue to receive, instead playing heavily with texture, volume, print and embellishments. Still, it’s far from over the top. The debut range is currently available only at Le Louvre, with a website not yet live. It means the rest of the country will have to wait to get their hands on a piece. Good things come to those who wait, right?
The Fold
Despite a saturation of minimal swimwear in the market, newcomer The Fold found a way to break through. The Australian label launched in October this year, offering swimwear exclusively for cup sizes D and above. It’s a genius concept. Styles don’t compromise on design either, with cuts serving to flatter large busts while offering enough support. The debut offering is minimal but strong, just like The Fold’s designs.