Melbourne label Purgatory is making alternative ready-to-wear with an Australian-Chinese twist
PHOTOGRAPHY – BRIANNA DA SILVA
HAIR AND MAKEUP – NISAL
WORDS – YASMIN GOWER
“Through our eyes, the brand represents the aesthetic of today’s fringe youth.”
Founded by creatives Millie Ng and Harrison Wallace, Melbourne label Purgatory started in 2018 as a passion project. With backgrounds in visual art, fashion and textiles, the duo’s differing approaches to fashion design have shaped the label into what it is today.
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Describing Purgatory’s output as “A culmination of our clashing aesthetics, inspired by tattoos, hot Barbie aesthetic, combat wear and club culture”, its pieces marry alternative streetwear with avant-garde silhouettes. Below, Millie speaks on the label’s journey so far.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
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Our fashion background is actually quite limited. We were both interested in art and had a visual art background growing up. This naturally translated to textile and fashion when we moved to Melbourne. Even our design styles differ and we employ quite a range of techniques. We’ve slowly developed our fashion knowledge from working on Purgatory which informs our practice now.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
Purgatory started as a passion project for us. When we first moved to Melbourne in 2018 we’d print garments and organise photoshoots as a way to meet and connect with the creative scene in a new city. As time went on, we dedicated more time to it and it slowly became a real brand. One of the biggest challenges for us as a growing brand is finding our voice and staying true to our core while still being commercial enough to keep momentum.
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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Initially, the brand started as a personal creative outlet. The brand has since grown and matured both conceptually and aesthetically. Today Purgatory is a culmination of our clashing aesthetics, inspired by tattoos, hot Barbie aesthetic, combat wear and club culture. Through our eyes, the brand represents the aesthetic of today’s fringe youth, embodying ‘The forsaken youth’.
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
Alternative and accessible ready-to-wear with an Australian Chinese contemporary twist.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
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I would remind myself to not forget why you started! So often we get caught up in the repetitive nature of work that we lose our initial passion and excitement for a project. Don’t forget to have fun, make mistakes and to be curious.
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian/New Zealand fashion right now?
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The most exciting part of the Australian/New Zealand fashion industry right now is our ability to affect the fashion industry on a global level. With many local brands experiencing success on socials globally, brands are able to reach far larger audiences and give a voice to designers that were once limited to our local markets.
What about the local fashion industry needs to change?
More access to information and resources. We are so often in our own little bubble it’s easy to forget how quickly we all can grow by helping each other out. A community is stronger together and there is space for all of us to exist and succeed.
Dream Australian and New Zealand collaborators?
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I would love to collaborate with more artists across different practices. Fine artists, musicians, stylists. I think so many people have an interesting vision whose story can be told and consumed through fashion. Also Burgertory because of the name and we love their burgers.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
I’m not a big shopper but always in my wardrobe are Miaou, Prix and Misbhv.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
You can see our full catalogue at purgatory.world or you can try on in-store at Error404 Store.
Browse Purgatory’s range here.
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