This was just one of the dilemmas facing this year’s PFF organisers when they put together the Designer Capsules at Fashion Paramount. Thankfully they saw fit to split the arrivals, with the cook being held off until Capsule 2 on the second day. Even so the result was a flurry of splattering colour, flying fabrics, loads of noise and for some reason a man ended up with squid tendrils on his head … I kid you not, take a look at the photo.
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© Stefan Gosatti
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PFF introduced the Designer Capsule concept in 2011 to expand the runway showcase opportunities for local up-and-coming and established designers. Each designer was asked to present 15-20 looks of their own choice.
‘Each capsule show appeals to a different demographic, allowing guests to view multiple labels in the one show. The Designer Capsule format allows each label to put their own creative stamp on their individual showcase, and provides more runway opportunities for the ever-growing contingent of talented WA designer labels.’ Perth Fashion Festival Designer Liaison, Chelsey Wayte said.
It’s a great way to get a quick idea of what’s coming up ….
Designer Capsule 1 featured Daniella Caputi, Zsadar, Lisa Marjanovich, and The Butcher and the Crow. It took on an edgy, somewhat dark theme with an air of mystery, particularly with the collection from ZSADAR.
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Marjanovich © Stefan Gosatti
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ZSADAR designer Shane Newtons latest collection called, Mysteries of the Organism, explored the idea of ‘mutated beauty’, which he said represented ‘sabotage and the sublime’ (see photo above) … I think my brain would need its own oxygen tank to ponder that deeply.
Having showcased her debut collection at PFF 2011, Lisa Marjanovich returned with beautifully feminine, confident pieces.
Meanwhile The Butcher and the Crow, established in 2009 and nominated PFF Designer of Tomorrow in the same year, continued to be inspired by amazing fabrics. Their specialised dying techniques were intriguing and made their pieces seductively unique. Infinitely better than my own tragic tie-dying techniques in year 11 art class.
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The Butcher and The Crow © Stefan Gosatti
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Looking at the collections I pondered the success of the Capsule idea.
In marketing terms it’s like giving out a sample box.
For modern day consumers the concept fits perfectly with our rapidly shortening attention spans. We’re constantly demanding to be shown something new … though aquatic head attire may be going a tad to far for the average man on the street.
As a consumer who prefers a bag of licorce allsorts to a plain piece of licorce, here’s hoping they keep the concept going again next year.
No animals were hurt in the writing of this blog post, though I can’t vouch for the squid.
For more information about Perth Fashion Festival go to www.perthfashionfestival.com.au
Designer Capsule 2 is up next.
