Sydney-based label Speed is creating clothing to feel powerful in

“There is a certain power and decisiveness when it comes to the word ‘speed’. This reflects the character of the wearer, who is visionary and confident in their own skin.”

You could say Alvina Chung has come full circle in the fashion world. As a child, she and her sister would host runways for dressed-up paper dolls. Now, Alvina is showcasing her own label Speed at this year’s Independent Runway at Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Circularity seems to be a running theme for Alvina, with a circular design ethos firmly at the centre of Speed. Circular fashion isn’t just a buzzword for Chung – she’s seen firsthand the waste that comes from mass production and has resolved to do something about it.

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Fusing the spiritual and the functional, Speed has been a long time in the making. Here’s how the circular label came to be and how it’s evolving.

Tell us about you, Alvina. What’s your fashion background?

As a child, I was always fascinated by the construction of clothes and the escape fashion provided for me. My sister and I would do paper doll ‘runways’ and we found ourselves constantly illustrating garments. During young adulthood, I attempted to live a ‘safe’ life and finished a degree in medical science. I enjoyed the course but I knew living the ‘safe’ way didn’t fulfil me. Eventually, I was self-taught in garment construction and pursued a short design course.

 

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How did the label get started? 

I had a love-and-fear relationship with the idea of starting a brand. With experiences from working under other labels, I knew it would consume a lot of time and money. It all organically fell into place after I started making clothing for myself, as I’m quite a particular consumer.

I couldn’t find anything on the rack that matched the state of my mind. I became a walking billboard, wearing my designs head to toe until people started ordering from me through seeing what I was wearing. Eventually, this became enough revenue for me to launch my first collection.

What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved?

At the time, streetwear was at its peak. I missed the romance and spiritualism fashion had initially lured me with. I wanted to create a balance between contemporary details and tailoring but also create modern, transitional workwear. At the time, it was enough for me to see happy clients in designs that spoke to them.

 

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I’ve had clients who said they felt ‘the energy’ behind the garment. I wanted to believe my garments were spiritual, but also highly functional and regularly worn. The journey of observing production and manufacturing on a larger scale, however, opened my eyes to the importance of sustainability and eliminating wastage.

It was sickening to see how much was actually going into the landfill – from the process of patterns on paper to the finished product. This lead me to reform my business model and tweak it so it aimed for complete circularity. I had always used deadstock materials but this time, I wanted to utilise highly regenerative materials, like hemp.

How would you describe Speed to someone who’s never seen it before?

The garments of Speed feel protective and structured, but also offer a supple, organic element that empowers the form.

 

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Where did the name Speed come from?

There is a certain power and decisiveness when it comes to the word ‘speed’. This reflects the character of the wearer, who is visionary and confident in their own skin.

What are you most proud of in your work on your label?

I am most proud of all the amazing people I’ve met through the journey of starting this label. It has been truly rewarding seeing the connection felt with my creations.

What do you wish you knew when you started?

To take my time with everything and stop pressuring myself.

 

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What about the Australian fashion industry needs to change?

Although there is progress, I believe there can be more genuine diversity in the industry behind the campaigns to also contribute to cultural change and acceptance. Additionally, I feel there should be more support for emerging designers who want to use sustainable materials, as they are steep at the moment and not very accessible.

How can we buy one of your pieces?

Currently, the brand is working on an online store, but the next collection will launch in early April at Harrolds Sydney.