Image: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Catalogue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, pg 30

Saturday was a very productive day, I finally made my way to the Met to see the much hyped, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition. There was at least a two hour wait when I arrived at 9.30 am. Luckily I had a member’s pass, which took me straight to the front of the line (slightly satisfying to say the least). Once inside the crowds didn’t stop and the volume of people did take away from the experience.Tip: Elbows can be a good weapon when trying to get a closer look.

I’ve always appreciated McQueen, seeing his work in the flesh was pretty amazing. Throughout the exhibition you can see first and foremost he was the eternal student. He had a thirst for knowledge like any other; each collection was a physical manifestation of his mind expanding. From his time at St. Martins, Givenchy and his collaboration’s with other creatives, McQueen, was absorbing information faster than we could appreciate.

I took a picture of a McQueen quote from the catalogue, which followed me on the subway ride home. Last year I made a motto for my final project; ‘If you don’t know the right way, you can’t do it the wrong way’. This is where my opinion slightly differs from McQueen. The freedom of not knowing how to construct garments can have the potential to create limitless possibilities. Naivety shouldn’t necessarily be considered a negative. While McQueen liked to break rules, I guess I can see the value in making them up. It’s all about perspective.

If you’re in New York definitely make it a priority, even if your next birthday comes while waiting in line!

Source: Tommy Ton for Style.com

I’ve wanted to give an update on my time at Proenza for a long time- three months to be exact. Having the privilege to intern under two of the most talented designers today, Jack McCollogh and Lazaro Hernandez, has handed me a new respect for their work. Watching the label’s progress from across the pond in Melbourne, I couldn’t count the amount of times I hit refresh on Style.com in anticipation for their latest collection.

Their story is well and truly fashion folklore and stepping into the studio on my first day I was taken back by the scale of the operation. The perennial ‘young’ designers have upped the ante each season on the runway whilst slowly building a support team that take their ambitions to new levels. Recently crowned the CDFA’s Womenswear Designer of the Year, I now know how hard Jack and Lazaro, and also Shirley Cook (CEO and partner from the start), work to maintain their position at the top.

Seeing the progression of the Pre Spring 12 and Capsule collections from sketch, to samples, to photo shoot, to market, was particularly exciting (and at times tiring!). I saw the mechanics of Proenza in full motion.

On a day-to-day basis my role changes as I assist the design team with tasks they need to move the collection forward. Seeing the archives and fabric roles made me just a little excited! You just don’t get to appreciate the vibrancy and the intricacies of the collections until they are in your hand.

As of now Spring 12 has begun and the design team is in the initial stages of creating muslins (that’s toile’s for the kids playing back home). To think three months has gone by is a little frightening. Even though the runway is in September, I know it will arrive in a flash. Instead of hitting that refresh button, the collection will be walking right by me!

Source: Harpers Bazaar

The Australians in New York fashion foundation held its third annual summer party a few weeks back and as the winner of the 2010 grant I was lucky enough to attend and meet some of Australia’s finest exports to New York. The night is the key fundraiser for the scholarship which co-founders Brana Wolf, Malcolm Carfrae, Julie Ann Quay and initiated to offer a leg up in the industry for young Australians in the fashion industry. With a special performance from three amazing ladies from Pricilla Queen of the Desert (every good night should be started this way,) the balmy evening took a more relaxed turn with iced cold drinks ready to quench any New York thirst. With last year’s winner and runner-up, Georgia Lazzaro and Simon Roberts, and this year’s runner up, the dapper Mitchell Oakley Smith all present, it was a great opportunity to finally meet everyone. As the recipient of the 2010 scholarship I can’t out into words how grateful I am to the founders for utilising their position as industry leaders to help foster the next generation of creatives. Check out the website for all the coverage from the night and information on how to apply for the 2011 scholarship. It may be only July but it’s always good to start thinking about these things early!

Oh…and happy 4th July!