Eora-based label Felynn is creating ethereal designs inspired by Asian culture
Photography by Katrina CL
Words by Kate Streader
“I used to feel bad about daydreaming a lot. When I realised there was more to it, I was very excited to begin to utilise and break down my perspectives.”
The early-pandemic lockdowns were devasting for so many independent businesses, but for Felynn Teo, COVID-19 served as the unlikely catalyst for her eponymous Eora-based label, Felynn. What began as a lockdown project making stylish face masks has since evolved into a fashion label offering unusual, ethereal designs.
Felynn spans adorable embellished bags to romantic ruffled pieces and graphic printed designs. Meticulously handmade and embedded with thoughtful details, each item is unique.
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Felynn draws influence from her Asian culture, frequently looking to films and places for inspiration. She’ll be taking a break from designing this year to travel Asia, which promises to deliver some exciting designs upon her return. Below, she shares what the journey has been like so far.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
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My name is Felynn, I started to learn to design fashion in 2019. I have been taking the education real slow because I keep wanting to travel back to Asia. I’ve decided to complete my graduate collection next year – I will be taking this year off!
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
I’d only begun to [release] products under Felynn in 2021, and they were handmade masks. It was after our first lockdown in Eora.
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?
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Although they were just masks, it was a very special way to have embarked on my journey. Because I was still so new to sewing, it helped me practice confidence and allowed me to receive so much love from my friends/customers who were purchasing the masks. I even made a mood board for them and sourced the exact ginghams I wanted. They were inspired by the mixing/distortions of patterns. Even through these simple products, parts of my uniqueness as [a] designer were seen and encouraged. So that was wonderful.
I believe that my ability to capture and analyse inspiration evolved. I am also more confident in designing and sewing now. I will be wanting to communicate my stories through colours, lines and silhouettes at this point in time. My work usually explores biases I have towards a certain object/place/time.
How would you describe Felynn to someone who’s never seen it before?
Delicate, ephemeral, attentive.
What are you most proud of in your work on your brand?
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The Fantasy Gates set! I designed and made each and every panel/print. It took me a while since I also 3D rendered the print and separately drew and edited the second layer of the print. I also had to self-dye the ribs to the brown I was looking for. I assembled the nails on my own, too.
I think I managed to achieve, overall, both fun and seriousness within this look. The idea behind this was sustainability… Expanding on even the most minuscule details of my everyday life. I tend to take pictures of lines and objects everywhere I go. I used to feel bad [about] daydreaming a lot. When I realised there was more to it, I was very excited to begin to utilise and break down my perspectives.
What do you wish you had known when you started?
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That eventually I would come to be confident and comfortable in my own identity as a creator, and that I would find infinite inspiration from within my own culture, in Asia or in Asian films. At the beginning of my journey, I often felt overwhelmed with the media or sources I was turning to. Now I’m grateful to feel comfortable going at my own pace. Whenever I am ready to, I will always achieve what I want to because I’ve always had what I’ve always been looking for.
Who do you think is most exciting in the Australian/NZ fashion scene right now?
There are so many at the top of my head. But if I had to pick just one it would be Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp! Niamh’s designs are sexy, fun, playful, innovative and mindful. Endless excitement!
What about the Australian/NZ fashion scene needs to change?
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Publication teams, opportunities within every fashion role, fashion week and fashion events. I am patiently waiting for newer faces [in the] spotlight and more diversity, and excitement within companies and businesses that have what it takes to bring everyone together within the fashion scene. There also needs to be more consistency in placing QTPOCs of different bodies to the front. Not just during Pride, but all year round.
Dream Australian/NZ collaborators?
Fon99, Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp, Flux.2.0, Sacred Honeys, Rose Pure, Carly Lim, Anne Thu Pham and Zach Lee.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
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Mostly thrifted randoms, but my current faves are some no-brand denim skirts I found in Malaysia and my thrifted Rick jacket.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
DM me [via] @felynn_ or @felynndesigns! Usually, I will post items available for sale on Instagram. You may also commission me for a piece. Otherwise, I may be stocked at Rtts.land on George Street (Eora). I am sold out of everything at the moment but as I have taken this year of uni, there will be lots more available at the previously mentioned [location].
See more from Felynn here.
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