Canberra designer Anna Walsh is encouraging everyday dress-ups through her handcrafted designs
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEGAN BESWICK
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I love blending eras together, trying out new shapes and adding a fantasy twist.”
In the Bridgerton haze of 2021, corsetry and historical dress were having a huge moment. As happens, fast fashion businesses, fuelled by TikTok microtrends, gripped onto the movement by pumping out bodice tops and renaissance-inspired prints. Canberra designer Anna Walsh, on the other hand, was immersing herself in 18th-century fashion history.
“I definitely had a more historical focus when I began,” Anna explains. “I have [now] moved into using history as a reference point and allowing myself to adapt and design around it.” Launching her eponymous label at the end of 2020, Anna’s work focuses on undergarments of the past.
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She explores the ‘structure and softness’ of bodices, stays and corsets, offering made-to-measure pieces crafted from vintage and deadstock fabrics. Below, Anna tells the story of her label so far.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
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My grandma and mum taught me to sew when I was around five. My grandma ran a fabric importing and dressmaking business for about 30-plus years, so I was always around fabrics and sewing machines growing up. I would make clothes for my soft toys and backpacks for school; little projects here and there.
I studied a Bachelor of Drawing and Printmaking at uni and ended up making these big fabric installations that led me back into sewing. I worked for Hopeless Lingerie in 2022, which was the most invaluable and treasured experience.
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I had to leave when I moved states for my partner’s work, but it was genuinely the loveliest workplace and the kindest people. I learnt so much there, both in technical sewing and about the behind-the-scenes of fashion businesses and how to maintain ethical and slow fashion practices.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
I was sewing every day over the first few 2020 lockdowns and started learning more about fashion history. I sewed my first pair of stays in July 2020 and then made some for a few friends and eventually started selling some.
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It was all pretty gradual from there, expanding outside of corsets and stays into other clothing. Only this year do I feel like I’m starting to get a true understanding of this brand and what I want to make, which is exciting.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
I definitely had a more historical focus when I began. I was a lot more concentrated on recreating stays from the 1700s and 1800s, and less on the designing side. I have moved into using history as a reference point and allowing myself to adapt and design around it.
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I love blending eras together, trying out new shapes and adding a fantasy twist – it’s so much fun. I aim to encourage everyday dress-ups through my designs. I’m always overdressed and I think it can be such a fun way to experience life.
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
‘Vampire Marie Antoinette’ or ‘goblin princess’. I usually just end up saying lots of corsets and sheer clothes.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
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Using secondhand and vintage materials as much as possible. I am always very torn about making [clothing] and the fashion industry’s environmental impact, so I try to limit my own impact as much as possible by using secondhand, remnant and vintage materials wherever I can… [I am also] transparent when I am using first-hand materials and always scour remnant warehouses and op shops to see what I can find and where I can change and better my practices.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
To be patient and take your time. I was definitely so eager to release things out into the world without probably taking enough time to reflect and refine. Everything definitely takes longer than you think… especially when it’s just one person, so don’t rush it.
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian fashion right now?
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The incredibly talented Ella of Catholic Guilt clothing. I think their mastery of such an intricate skill is so inspiring and genuinely jaw-dropping. I bought a pair of her Celtic Cross Glovelets and was also lucky enough to do an art trade with her last year. The Crucifix Top hangs on my wall like a piece of art.
I also love Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp and their commitment to using deadstock and Australian-made materials. I love how they draw from history while making it their own. I love the adjustable nature of their designs and their handmade but precise sensibility. I have their calendar in my work room which always inspires me whenever I need it.
Dream collaborators?
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I always love collaborating with Tegan Beswick for our photoshoots. Her talent with photography always blows me away, we are literally always on the same page creatively without having to really explain anything. It’s always such a fun and heartwarming day.
Go-to dinner party playlist?
I’m a total sucker for sad slow music so I usually leave the aux responsibilities to someone else, but anything by The Cure or Weyes Blood is going to be good.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
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I really love Sacred Steel Armour. I wear my Dweller Necklace every single day, the quality and durability of it is unreal. Maroske Peech’s brown wool gathered leggings are on a constant rotation with the freezing Canberra winter. I also love my Sexiaz Lingerie belted mini skirt, it’s so perfect for layering over pants or with some cute tights.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
Through my website, in-store at Blonde Concept in Canberra and soon to be in-store at That Looks in Auckland, New Zealand.
Browse the Anna Walsh collection here.
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