New York Fashion Week was quite busy for us at StyledOn. We were lucky enough to attend over sixty shows, and one that truly stood out was from the Australian brand Willow.
Designed by the sprightly Kit Willow, her namesake collection was first launched in 2003 as a bedazzled lingerie line. Quickly growing the line into one offering a complete ready-to-wear collection, Willow became known as "It-girl-turned-instant-top-designer". Working closely with the natural curves of the female body, Podgornik hit on some of our favorite trends of the season—body conscious draping, rich reds and pinks, sequins, and sheer layers. We proudly bring you one to watch, Kit Willow...
Q&A
StyledOn: What does the collection’s name, ‘Eclipse’, refer to?
Kit Willow: Using the natural curves of the body as a canvas, the fabrics throughout the collection work like a second skin, gently hugging and enhancing the body’s shape. Skin to skin, this sleek silhouette is like a shadow, a perfect Eclipse of the feminine form... layered silk organza over laser-cut Lycra or a henna tattoo print - an eclipse of layers.
SO: Speaking of skin, you began your career in fashion as a lingerie designer, how does your background influence your opinion as a ready-to-wear designer?
KW: The training I received during my early years as a lingerie designer definitely heightened my understanding of the delicate construction of the female form. This has translated into my focus on structure and tailoring in jackets and dresses. Every ready-to-wear collection has a corset form in it. On the other hand, I often work with loose, draped silhouettes – allowing fabric to fall around the body – to me the juxtaposition is essential to any wardrobe.
SO: We noticed and absolutely adore that shoulders were a major focus for tailoring in this collection.
KW: The shoulders throughout the collection were free of shoulder pads and were heightened purely by construction and placement of seam allowance.
SO: Wow, that's incredibly impressive. We were also very impressed by the overall styling of the show – the Willow platform wedge shoes, low ponytails, opaque tights, bright lips. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the look?
KW: I worked with stylist Melanie Huynh for the first time – we shared a very similar vision of what a modern woman is and I loved the suggestions she made. Clean and sharp females demand a sharp wedge – something quite modern and clean about the wedge shape we used. The rest just felt right once the looks were completed.
SO: You had some of the top models in the industry walk in your show including Karlie Kloss, Jacquelyn Jablonski and Abbey Lee Kershaw. How does it feel to have their support?
KW: Heavenly creatures! They are such good girls – they care so much for the designers – I am so grateful.
SO: How did you celebrate, post-show?
KW: We all went out for a lovely dinner and placed a red rose in front of the Alexander McQueen store – such a loss.
SO: Despite the recession, you have been expanding like crazy, with three store openings over the past year and a half. Why do you think your clothing is speaking so strongly to customers right now?
KW: I am very much believe in designing clothes for women that want to be worn – be inspired by and just feel great wearing – day or night.
Willow can be found on Net-A-Porter.
Will you be wearing Willow?
