Tailored emotion: Meet Melbourne designer, Christopher Hrysanidis
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Kierra Thorn and Damien Winch
AS TOLD TO daisy henry
“There’s often a subtle playfulness, something that quietly subverts the conventions of classic tailoring.”
Christopher Hrysanidis’ label first began as an outlet for creative expression. “It was more of a personal space where I released garments without much thought toward commercial viability or turning it into something larger. It felt quite pure,” says the Melbourne-based designer. It wasn’t until his debut collection, Lilies three years on from the label’s launch and created as a cathartic response to the loss of his mother, that the emotional depth of his work came into focus.
“It took me three years to figure out how to express something so personal through my work, all while continuing to process that loss myself”, he tells me. It was facing his grief head-on that made Christopher realise the importance of channelling emotion and vulnerability directly into his design, a philosophy that continues to underpin his label.
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Originally self-taught, Christopher honed his skills at Melbourne’s RB Patterns, where he went from intern to a part-time role, a position he currently still holds. That industry experience has formed the foundation of his label today, giving him an insight into the industry and sharpening the technical precision he’s now known for.
The designer’s tailoring may be what first captures your attention, but it’s his careful balance of softness and precision that holds your gaze. “At first glance, a garment might appear traditional or straightforward but within the pattern, there’s often a subtle playfulness, something that quietly subverts the conventions of classic tailoring.”
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Fashion Journal: Hi Christopher! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your fashion background?
Christopher: My journey into fashion began with a self-taught practice that I developed independently between 2018 and 2020. In 2021, I moved into an internship with RB Patterns, a pattern-making studio based in Melbourne. While interning, I continued to build my own body of work, applying what I was learning at RB Patterns directly into my personal practice.
Over time, I progressed from intern to a part-time role with the company, a position I currently still hold. This hands-on industry experience has significantly developed my technical skills and deepened my understanding of garment construction. It’s also helped prepare me to step confidently into the industry with my own label.
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How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
The label began in 2021 on a very small scale. Honestly, I wouldn’t have even called it a fashion label at the time. It was more of a personal space where I released garments without much thought toward commercial viability or turning it into something larger. It felt quite pure, I was simply creating pieces I loved and exploring the process of bringing them to life.
After some time working in this more fluid, exploratory way, I reached a point where I felt the need to see a return from the work I was putting in. I wanted to share the garments more broadly and see them existing out in the world. Over the past year or so, the focus has shifted toward building the business side of the brand and exploring how to grow and expand its reach.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced was building my first collection. I chose to use it as a way to process and communicate my grief after losing my mother in 2021. It took me three years to figure out how to express something so personal through my work, all while continuing to process that loss myself. It was an incredibly difficult but cathartic journey. Engaging with that experience through design taught me not to shy away from expressing deeply emotional and vulnerable themes, even when they’re hard to face.
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How has Christopher Hrysanidis evolved since it first launched and what are you trying to achieve now?
I started my eponymous label as a means of expressing my inner thoughts and experiences, creating a space where I could share my perspective on life through design. Much like an artist’s signature on a painting, using my own name for the label reflects the personal and evolving nature of my creative journey. The brand serves as both a platform and a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to communicate my emotions, ideas and reflections, however complex or raw they may be.
Developing clothing is a powerful form of personal expression and I wanted to build a brand that goes beyond just clothing. It’s about creating pieces that tell a story, that capture a moment in time and that resonate with the wearer on a deeper level. I wanted my work to reflect my passion for creative pattern-making, tailoring and sustainable practices, all while staying true to an authentic vision.
Ultimately, my goal is to create a connection between myself, the work and the people who wear it. I want my designs to be an invitation for others to explore their own identities, feel empowered and engage with a brand that is rooted in creativity, craftsmanship and emotional depth.
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How you source your materials?
Through my industry experience, I have been part of the small but great community of makers, suppliers and factories we have here in Melbourne. Often, I will source my fabrics from different makers here in Melbourne, often utilising their leftover supplies. I would also pay a visit to some of the wholesale suppliers and acquire cloth that way.
How would you describe Christopher Hrysanidis to someone who’s never seen it before?
The pieces strike a balance between intricate pattern making, considered fabric selection and distinctive line work. At first glance, a garment might appear traditional or straightforward but within the pattern, there’s often a subtle playfulness, something that quietly subverts the conventions of classic tailoring.
Tailoring is a pillar of the brand and for someone unfamiliar with my work, I’d say the tailored pieces best capture the essence of what Christopher Hrysanidis is all about.
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What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
I’d say my proudest moments so far have been the release of my first collection and the months that followed. The collection, titled Lilies, was an ode to my late mother and marked my first major body of work. What made it truly special was the overwhelming support I received from friends and family – it meant everything to share that moment with them.
Following the debut, I submitted the collection to the National Designer Award at Melbourne Fashion Festival and was honoured to become a finalist. Knowing that a collection built with so much love, hard work and personal meaning was recognised in that way is something I’ll always be proud of. I’m excited for more moments like this in the future.
What do you wish you’d known when you started working in the industry?
To keep it simple – fashion is a long and often challenging journey. If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: it’s not about where you end up, it’s about how you get there.
Falling in love with the process, embracing the ups and downs and focusing on creating meaningful, beautiful work is what matters. The journey itself is the reward.
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Who are your dream Australian collaborators?
I’ve always wanted to collaborate with my close friend and talented Australian artist, Bryce Anderson. I’ve known Bryce for quite some time and always admired the work he creates. For me, the most meaningful collaborations strike a balance between shared values and contrasting perspectives.
Although Bryce and I work in different creative spheres, our processes and ways of thinking are surprisingly aligned. We both deeply respect each other’s work but we also challenge one another, which I think is essential for any strong collaboration. That dynamic of mutual admiration and creative tension is what excites me most about the idea of working together in the future.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
Currently, my pieces are available made-to-order via email. In the coming months, I’ll be launching my official website and online store, where garments will be available for purchase. Moving forward, future collections will be available through the website as well as select stockists. Operations are expected to be in full effect by mid to late 2025.
Keep up with Christopher Hrysanidis here.
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