By: Nicole Gelfond
We have all heard about the glamorous New York Fashion week that happens twice a year where celebrities, media, bloggers, buyers and more come to gather to see their favorite designers showcase their newest lines. However, there’s another platform bringing the hottest Australian brands to New York. Fashion Palette New York celebrates Australian fashion and showcases high-end designers into the US market. This platform focuses on integrating independent Australian brands into New York providing more opportunities, tools, and contacts for designers.
Who is the founder of this incredible global platform? Sonya Mefaddi is making Australian fashion brands known through her one-of-a-kind concept. At just twenty-four years old, Mefaddi started Fashion Palette, aimed to establish independent fashion and accessory brands with connections, global buyers, and runway opportunities. Starting off, Sonya worked with a marketing firm for three years before creating Fashion Palette. With no connection to the fashion world other than her passion she established a business that has showcased hundreds of designers to New York as well as developed networks with designers, consumers, and suppliers from around the world.
This international springboard is in its fifth season and continues to connect designers with more media, stylists, global buyers, and bloggers, allowing a bigger slice of market for Australian designers.
Let’s get acquainted with some of the Australian brands who will showcase in September!
Alphabe the Label, a fashion forward Australian brand emphasizes on minimalistic details that can be worn as high-end street fashion or for an elegant night out. This unique brand’s goal is to create pieces that are versatile for any occasion. Not only are the materials made out of quality fabrics, but they are also at an affordable price point for women. Their unique collections include minimal detail while also having their own unique style that is sure to catch the eye.
Bossa, a sleek, modern fashion brand is perfect to make you more glamorous. The edgy, yet simple pieces work to make your body look its best. Their sexy Cruise Campaign is sure to make you feel as though you are on a yacht on the Mediterranean even if you are somewhere on the Jersey Shore. Their designer look resonates very well with Kim Kardashian’s style; simple, sleek yet fashion forward.
Moving on, Ete Swimwear catches all of the summer vibes that Australians wear on the beach. This swimwear line is entirely different from others because of their unique designs that are hand painted watercolor prints. Not only are they high quality suits, but they are also made with a creative touch, distinct from other swimwear brands. Different from the other brands, these suits embody a more feminine, girly style that will look cute on any beach. The colors and patterns are youthful and fun. Their watercolor and crotchet bikinis are perfect for looking good while sun tanning!
Frankie Swimwear by Rebecca is known as the “Bralette bikini”. The style of Frankie’s envelops the French bralette idea. Most of the swimwear is bralette style with an assortment of fun colors to stand out in. There are also different designs that you can fit your personality into. Whether it’s the “classic” triangle top or a floral bralette, you will be sure to love the way you look in them! Frankie swimwear is also unique because it is not mass produced, meaning you won’t have to worry about others having the same bathing suit as you since there are only a limited number to each piece which makes it all the more unique.
In a whole different category, Gather and Stitch is a bridal couture brand by Helani Sarath-Kumara. Her label is meant to reflect simple shapes and rich textures. Her many years of experience combined with her creativity has resulted in keeping her clients happy with distinct, one-of-a kind pieces. Her work has also been recognized in print and television for its fusion of Western and South Asian style and trends. Her minute detail that is seen in all of the different dresses is sure to make you feel most elegant and unique on your special day.
Homebodii is an Australian bridal loungewear label known for its exclusive prints and feminine aesthetic. The designer Ingrid Bonnor has a unique story about developing her brand. She started out as a model following her dreams, and through her career learned about corporate business and the importance of a quality brand, which can create a personal connection between the consumer and the product. Not only did she incorporate the ropes of business into her brand but also her understanding of how special the moments of life are. Because of this she created Homebodii and the HBSHE dress collection for women to have on all types of occasions. Whether it’s for a bride, for your special someone, for you to enjoy your coffee in the morning, or the birth of a child, the loungewear is meant for you to feel relaxed and feminine. Their collection includes a lot of lace, bows, florals, and silk to make you feel your most feminine.
Designer, Natalie Rolt is one that strives to make you feel your best. Natalie Rolt’s story behind the brand is that she has sewed into each of her pieces confidence that will highlight the female body allowing her to shine with elegance and femininity. Behind each piece is the infectious energy that this brand holds which brings the wearer to life. From dresses, to jumpsuits, to bathing suits each piece of clothing is meant make you feel the value in yourself.
Sabo Luxe is an Australian brand with more than a million followers on Instagram and the trendiest pieces to choose from. Ranging from rompers, to dresses, to slip dresses, to overalls Sabo Luxe is where you go if you want new, fun fashionable pieces to look good in!
Taking a break from clothing and swimsuits, Australian designer Sally Skoufis put her intellect and passion into her jewelry line. Her jewelry is expressive of her love nature, the female divine, and artistry. She completed a double bachelor degree of Arts and Commerce and used those skills to make jewelry pieces that can be worn by all women. Her fine detailing and affordability is what launched her first collection under own name. She wants the wearers to express their femininity through the design of the jewelry. Each piece is meant to empower females and remind them of their strength and beauty.
The next brand is Bailes by Sara Bailes, which features locally sourced fabrics, natural fibers, and in-house prints. This brand aims to produce quality garments that create classic shapes that also have a contemporary aesthetic. This brand embodies a modern look with comfort.
Stephanie Chehade’s collections display luxurious silks, lace and organic fabrics. Her brand’s goal is to create high-end designs that translate into easy to wear pieces. All of her pieces have a theme of sleek contours, bold silhouettes, and modern simplicity. Her motto is to keep moving forward both personally and professionally with the label.
All these fabulous Australian brands will make a break in the U.S. Market through Fashion Palette this September with their SS17 collections. Thanks to this platform we are able to gain a piece of the Australian fashion scene, which is sure to make our lives all the more fashionable!