Andrea Wolf

How would you describe your collection?

The collection features bespoke techniques presented in a contemporary light, with a signature monochromatic palette, carefully considered details and clean tailoring.

If you got one celebrity to wear your clothes, who would you choose?
I dislike the notion of 'celebrity'. I suppose if I had to choose someone well-known, it would have to be someone strong and independent who actually cares about what they wear, someone like Patti Smith.

What made you want to be a designer?

Originally it was to create pieces I wanted to wear which I found were unavailable in Perth. Then as a reaction to what I abhorred about the industry, which is the concept of mass-produced throw-away 'fashion', not allowing a second thought to what went into producing those garments.
What do you plan on doing once the festival is over?
Catching up with my lovely neglected friends, reading the pile of books I've accumulated and working.
What is your personal style like?
Maximal minimalism.
What was your inspiration for this current collection your working on?
The latest collection 'III' (Three) is an exploration of the space within. Inspiration is derived from readings on the Japanese spatial concept of Ma and Stephane Mallarmé’s poem ‘Un coup de dés jamais n’abolira le hasard’, which have been translated into fine asymmetric cuts and folds and twisting, cascading draping.

Behind the Seams: It's time for the last minute touch ups!

Are you wondering how the girls are going just days until the showing of their collections? The girls tell you ttheir thoughts and progress about the up and coming Student Runway!

JANE
The majority of the collection is done but I always feel like the last few weeks before showing is my most creative period and my collection seems to be going in a different direction right now with all my new ideas.

Because I dont have time to consider everything as thoroughly such as fabrics, colour and form, im sort of forced to make instinctive decisions, which i find always gives a better result.

I have been spending the last week sewing on buttons!! there are maaaany buttons in my collection. For example one of my dresses has around 40 buttons...thats a lot of time spent hand sewing.

Other than the fact ive lost a lot of time sewing on buttons, I think the collection is coming together nicely. I never really know what the final outcome will be until i see it in its final stage when its all finished!

ANDREA
My collection is going good. I'm almost done! I have just been working on a few other little extra pieces. I'm exited to see my designs on bodies especially after seeing them hanging on rails for the past few months.

I am a little stressed, but I think that's a good thing because it's whats pushed me forward! It can be difficult to keep on top of pattern-making, cutting, sewing, finishing, paperwork and working 3-4 days a week.

My collection at PFF will be complemented by fine jewellery pieces from up-and-coming Perth ceramicist/jeweller Claire Steiner.

Student Runway is here!

As Benjamin Franklin says 'You may delay, but time will not! With this in mind, make sure you grab your diary out and write a note to keep the 13th September free! It's the Student Runway at Fashion Paramount where the girls will be showcasing their collections. Check out this link for more info!

http://www.perthfashionfestival.com.au/events/students.htm

Jane Kelsey

So we've got to know Ellie a little better, now it's Janes turn!

Where do you get your ideas from?

I'm inspired by feelings and emotions rather than physically seeing something. I feel the presence. Like in my collection i felt like it was about 'keeping together', like trying to conceal weakness and vulnerability. It's about the barrier you create and how it slowely decays so people can see the real you

How would you describe your collection?

Unified, controlled...recognisable pieces but with a twist

Who would you like to see wear your designs?

I'd be happy if anyone wore them! haha hmm it would vary...Lady Gaga for my more out there pieces.

If you got to date one celebraty, who would it be?

Will Smith
What fashion advise would you give to others?

Dont wear ugg boots out!

Top: Some of Janes fabrics she will be using in her collection. Middle: A collaboration of images from her portfolio. Bottom: Jane working in The Carton

Ellie Meyer

A short interview with The Cartons, Ellie Meyer and a little insight into what her up and coming collection will be like!

What made you want to study fashion?

Well I was always interested in art. I think that garments have the ability to change the perception of people and their identity. To me thats really interesting

Whose your mentor?

Gareth Pugh, Rei Kuikikubu. They're less commercial and a bit more conceptual...oh and Martin Margiella

Where do you get your ideas from?

Everywhere! Music, people, faces, other designers, film...anything that inspires me

What are three things you couldnt live without?

Ipod, black and chocolate

How would you describe your collection of bodies?

It draws on horror and the apocolyptic sci-fi genre. I'm making costumes for a local film next year, 'Play Things', and that was inspiration for me. I'm drawing on characters from it and the wounds and fatalities from them.

Heres a few pics that are based around Ellies' collection from her very own portfolio! Cant wait to see the finished collection Ellie.

Behind the Seams: Collection Update

The girls have been working hard these past few months getting their collections done in time for the up and coming Perth Fashion Festival in September! Ellie, Jane and Andrea are in the process of completing their three bodies for the show and they are looking fabulous. Each have their own style and edge (although all share a passion for black) which are unique just like the girls. Want to know a bit more about the girls collections??? Stay tuned!! Heres a few pics of the budding designers at work!

How much is that doggy, in the window?

Jane & Andreas Garments


Ellie's garments
Jane filled the display cabinets with beautiful fabric swatches

Ellie, Jane & Andrea have been super busy installing an eye-catching window display and filling the display cabinets at The Carton. The designers explain that their concept for the window was 'suspended contraints'. They used fishing line to hang their garments and create tension with the cloth. It looks superb girls! Carillon City have also installed some snazzy TV screens in the window and the space which features the catwalk show from Perth Fashion Festival event Student Runway 2009 where Ellie, Jane & Andrea showcased their designs. We will be adding more footage soon! Why not pop by and check it out!

The Carton Media Launch

The Carton designers Jane, Ellie & Andrea

Gorgeous Chadwick models Renae, Nicole & Paris

Super-cute cupcakes by Cupid's Delight!

Delicious Food & Drinks!

The Carton and Perth Fashion Festival hosted a VIP media launch on Tuesday 18 May at the space in Carillon City. Guests met with The Carton designers Ellie Meyer, Jane Kelsey & Andrea Wolf and got a close-up view of the designers work on the beautiful models from Chadwicks.

The event was seriously buzzing with excitement with lots of camera flashes! The guests were treated to fresh Nudie juices, mini bagels and cupcakes which featured The Carton's logo in 3D!

Festival Director Mariella Harvey Hanrahan, City of Perth Mayor and Perth Fashion Festival Ambassador Lisa Scaffidi and Minister for Planning, Culture and the Arts John Day officially declared The Carton opened!

The Launch was a complete hit so come down and check The Carton space out!

P.S A massive shout out to our Carton sponsors- Carillon City & Sunday Times and of course Perth Fashion Festival!

The Carton in The West!

Did you see The West article on The Carton yesterday (19 May)? Looking good girls!

STM visits The Carton!

Nicole Harrison, Chadwick

Photo: Theo Fakos

Ellie, Jane & Andrea
Photo:Theo Fakos

Last week the designers had a special vistor; fashion and beauty editor Claire Davies from the STM and Sunday Times! Claire met the girls and checked out the space and interviewed them for an article which appeared on page 35 in The Sunday Times (2 May, 2010). The Sunday Times also organised a hot photoshoot with Chadwick model Nicole Harrison and the designers Ellie, Andrea and Jane. Check out the article and the super-cute photo above!

All the behind the scenes shots at The Carton can be found the PerthNow website!

Settle Petal!

The GREAT fit out!

Ellie Meyer

Jane Kelsey

Ellie Meyer

Over the last 7 days Ellie, Andrea and Jane have been busy making The Carton their new design home! The super-cute signage has been installed - a big thanks to Megan Guise our AMAZING graphic designer for developing the delightful logo and to Dave Garland at Abnormal Design for producing the eye-catching signage!

The designers are adding their personal touches to the space and have dressed the mannequins in their beautiful designs and are well underway brainstorming concepts and making initial dress patterns for their debut collections. Why not pop by the space and have a looksee!?

Meet our 2010 Carton Designers!

In 2009 three super-talented designers were recognised as WA's top student designers at Student Runway. Part of their prize was a 6 month fully-equipped studio space in the heart of the CBD located in Carillon City. Over the course of the next 6 months the graduates will be designing a capsule collection to show on the runway at this years Perth Fashion Festival. The designers will have access to some of WA's most respected designers, industry professionals and business people who will act as mentors throughout year. Lets meet our 2010 designers...

Meet Ellie Meyer

Ellie Meyer is from Curtin University Technology and was recently selected as one of the 12 students across Australia to showcase her graduate collection at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2010. Her work is now being exhibited as part of an in-store installation for Sportsgirl. Ellie already has an impressive list of stockists such as FORM (WA), Plantation (WA), Ford House (WA), Room 296 (VIC).

Meet Andrea Wolf

Andrea Wolf recently graduated from Polytechnic West and was the winner in the Eco Design category at Student Runway 2009. Andrea will also be showcasing a collection at StyleAID later this year as she has been selected as a finalist in the StyleAID Absolut Creative Award. Andrea takes inspiration from a range of sources including architecture, photography, traditional tailoring, music and philosophy.

Meet Jane Kelsey

Jane graduated from Central TAFE in 2009 accomplishing an Advanced Diploma in Fashion and Textile Design. In 2008 Jane enter one of her designs into the Perth Fashion Festival Student Awards and won first place in the category of Womens Ready to Wear. 2009 saw Jane enter the Student Runway 2009 but this time won the Mens Ready to Wear category. When creating her garments she likes to think of the person who will be wearing it thinks its important to consider what purposes the clothes will serve to them or how these clothes will work to complement with their character and style.