Meet the Melbourne creatives behind DocGirl’s new collection and campaign, ‘Girls Are Lovelier’
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIE PHAN
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
A celebration of girlhood.
After an almost two-year hiatus between collections, Melbourne-based label DocGirl (housed under DocG Studios) has returned with a new collection, Girls Are Lovelier. Moving away from the tartan pleated skirts it’s known for, this DocGirl collection offers baby tees, hoodies, diamante-embellished trucker caps and crochet mini skirts in shades of bubblegum pink, silver, cream and black.
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Created by sibling duo Hansika and DocG, the Girls Are Lovelier collection was made entirely in Melbourne and brought to life in a campaign shoot led by a team of female collaborators. Below, the DocGirl duo chats to three of these Melbourne creatives about cultural influences, collaboration and what girlhood means to them.
Ellie Phan, photographer
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Is there an overarching vision… that you aim to evoke through your work?
My work is a form of self-expression, so the energy my images bring doesn’t stray far from the one that shows through the personality you see in my real-life interactions. I guess that creates a coherent style in all my work. However… I learn as I go and there will be projects where the narratives are very emotionally personal to me, which I don’t expect everyone to resonate with or understand…
Reflecting on your recent return to Vietnam, what emotions did you experience while capturing images in your cultural setting?
It was absolutely amazing! I felt so much support from everyone and everything went so seamlessly. I’ve been away from home for eight years and started photography in Melbourne, so to find my feet back home for the first time… it feels so wholesome to me. Everyone I worked with in Vietnam gave their whole 100 per cent on set. They believed in the vision I had, and the creative drive and the sense of community we have is unmatched… It’s like I never left.
I’m curious, what does collaboration mean to you in the realm of photography?
Photography itself is a form of art that cannot be created solitarily, you always need a subject to capture. Now putting that in the fashion world, it’s impossible to work in photography without collaboration – the team. Everyone in the crew is a vital piece in the puzzle that shares the same goal…
Communication is essential to achieve that, especially in a role where I’m the direct contact with the models and also responsible for the final outcome. It takes an open mind and heart to share that vision with the team and encourage everyone to help achieve that, you just gotta be willing to understand the assignment.
Fern Arisara, graphic designer and nail artist
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What was the initial spark that prompted you to embark on your creative journey?
I’ve always been a big fan of all things pretty. It all began during my childhood visits to cousins in the countryside during school holidays. Back then, we didn’t have anything to keep us occupied but going outside and playing with other kids in the neighbourhood.
You could say that I was one of those quiet (but not so quiet) kids who liked to draw and collected rocks and flowers wherever they went. I would be alone, in a corner somewhere, just drawing. I would command my grandparents to sit so still, so I could sketch them on a piece of paper… Since then, it’s just been something I never stop doing; it’s become a part of who I am today.
What underlying philosophy guides your approach to creativity?
My creative approach boils down to one simple philosophy: finding beauty in everything… For me, creativity isn’t just about what you make. It’s about how you see the world and express yourself in every possible way. It’s that all-round creative mindset that keeps me inspired and constantly exploring new things. And I hope that it can spark interest in others, too.
What does Girls Are Lovelier mean to you?
Girls Are Lovelier is about celebrating femininity and being girly. It’s not exclusively about women but also all femme-presenting individuals. Growing up surrounded by women, attending an all-girls school, and listening to life advice from all the aunties, I was deeply inspired by their strength and resilience… It taught me the importance of solidarity and mutual empowerment.
Cpash, videographer and DJ
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Is there a noticeable distinction in the energy, expression or inspiration between your roles as a DJ and your creative pursuits in photography and videography?
The energy and inspiration in my roles as a DJ versus my creative pursuits in photography and videography differ significantly. As a DJ, I thrive on the vibrancy of playing live and channelling the energy of the crowd into my sets. In contrast, my work in photography and videography allows for a more reflective journey of visual storytelling, drawing inspiration from the world around me…
What underlying philosophy guides your approach to creativity?
I’m all for pushing boundaries, staying true to my vibe, and exploring innovative ideas. I mostly thrive when collaborating with a team [and] sharing creative ideas with fellow like-minded individuals. Working alongside others ignites a distinct aura within me, motivating me to grow as both an artist and an individual.
What does Girls Are Lovelier mean to you?
… A deep gratitude for their natural beauty, gracefulness and individuality that defines them. I believe it highlights the value of their unique qualities in every way possible and it accentuates the need to uplift and strengthen women worldwide.
You can browse the DocGirl collection here.
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