What has inspired your new collection?
This collection titled, 'Of Heaven and Earth', was inspired by the West Australian coastline. The play of light on silvery sands, the sculptural formations of water, the discovery of flotsam and jetsam, the ebb and flow of the tides.
Are there any new advancements with this collection?
We have steered away from our usual use of vintage and pushed our fabric manipulation and used lots of smocking, die cuts and beadwork. Diaphanous silver silks have been draped, folded and manipulated. We've incorporated the use of die cut leather, glass beaded silk chiffon, duchesse satin, silk tulle. This season's colour palette was inspired by the sunset over the Indian Ocean, including rose, white, oyster, black and candlelight hues.
Do you have a certain woman in mind when designing your clothes?
I always design with a certain woman in mind. Generally they are muses, clients or women I have admired through life – think Tina Chow, Marisa Berinson. This season the Costarella woman has broken free and is taking a fresh new approach. Modern, hi-tech, sexy – but always elegant.
Can you tell us which models you have booked to star in your show?
We always utilise a strong Australian cast – Nicole Trunfio, Amy Finlayson, Tiah Eckhart, Emily C and Simone Kerr starred in our show last season. We are currently investigating which girls will be available.
What tunes will you be sending the girls down the runway to?
Melbourne-based composers, Kurt and Pete, from Red Light Disco are mashing up the tracks. 'Sunny' – Barbara Streisand; 'The Sweetest – Nightmares On Wax; 'Movie Star' – Herbert; and 'We Share Our Mothers’ Health' – The Knife, are all thrown into the mix.
What are your recovery plans post-Fashion Week?
I’d love to say I’ll be taking a break but alas its on to the next collection for me. I’ll have a couple of days in New York to take in the galleries, Costume Institute and a little shopping at Barneys and Margiela. Then off for a week to Paris to source fabric for Winter 2008/09 and to trial my Costarella Fragrance that is being developed there.
Any more exciting projects in the pipeline you can tell us about?
We have just completed all the outfits for Kate Cebrano’s tour of Australia. Plus, we are currently collaborating with I Nuovi Cosmetics on a collection of body and lifestyle products to be launched in March 2008.
The color palette is nice. I like the 2nd dress in #
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