Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is just around the corner so it’s time to have a look at what we should expect this year. Next to established Australian designers, MBFWA also showcases a carefully-curated selection of who they think will be the next big thing. By “they”, we mean none else than IMG’s head of fashion, Ellery’s general manager, Vogue Australia’s editor-in-chief, the merchandise director of David Jones, the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar Australia, the director of Parlour X and MyTheresa.com’s buying director. Quite a comprehensive and intimidating panel, isn’t it?
Well a bunch of talented young Aussie designers made it through this jury and were selected for the St. George NextGen show 2016. No need to wait until their show in May; FIB already had a little chat with these promising creatives. Let us introduce you to Renee from successful leather label, Holystone.
Australian fashion is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented international success, and as a result, Australian creativity, ingenuity and unique style is being showcased on an international stage. Holystone is a stand-out brand amongst the Next Gen’ designers and it is easy to see why, with her collections having a distinctive base in leather and bold shapes, but also in wearability. Past campaigns have been inspired by the people and places of Australia, which is obvious in the stunning campaign photos for the SS16 ‘Unearthed’ collection, which features backdrops that highlight Australia’s striking landscape. At FIB, we are very excited to see Holystone’s most recent, all-leather collection in MBFWA at Carriageworks.
Label: Holystone
Name: Ren
Age: 31
Education: I’m educated in International Trade
Favourite topic in high school: I loved school camp
Siblings: I’m one of 3; I have a sister and twin brother
Favourite food: Kingfish sashimi with lime, chilli, coconut and Thai basil!
Favourite bar: Rooftop in Melbourne
Favourite TV show: I currently don’t have a religious TV show, but I do love documentaries
Favourite song/singer/music: My music genre is quite broad, anything from alternative, to indie rock, hip-hop and rap!
The hottest guy: My soul mate of 9 years (he’s on my number one hottest guy list for sure)
Most embarrassing moment: Too embarrassing to tell!!!
Worst outfit you had ever worn when you were younger: My year 10 formal dress, I whipped it up super last minute and it didn’t turn out how I wanted. Back then I didn’t have options. Yep it was disgusting. Definitely not one to remember!
I want to start by saying congratulations! How are you feeling about being involved in MBFWA? Are you excited about any event in particular?
Thank you! The most exciting thing to date has actually been creating the collection for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Next Gen’ show. The lead up to the show and the work that goes into preparing a showcase to campaign to a worldwide audience – it’s been an incredible opportunity. At the moment, there is a lot of international focus on what Australian designers are producing, and I’m very excited to be a part of that.
Your debut found success so quickly, what has been your highlight of the journey so far?
That in itself has been the highlight, I never anticipated such an immediate following on a local front or internationally. The first campaign went worldwide within 24 hours, which is something very rare and is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Do you feel like you’re moving away from your original more edgy leather look, to something more feminine with the silk? Or is Holystone leather here to stay?
No, leather still very much inspires me. Holystone leather is definitely here to stay! The collection for MBFW will be nothing but leather.
What is it about leather that inspires you?
What inspires me is the complexity of working with leather. When creating a leather piece, so much heart and soul goes into creating the end product. It’s a lengthy process and there is huge investment and involvement in creating any particular style, but it is also a very rewarding process.
The types of fabrics you choose present a certain attitude, what is your use of silk this season trying to say?
My working with silk was mostly just a fun injection for ‘Unearthed’ SS16 collection. I designed the collection around Australian landscapes and Coober Pedy in South Australia particularly inspired this collection.
Having been endorsed by the likes of Rebecca Judd, what importance do you give to fashion blogging?
The most important thing about being endorsed by a big name blogger is ensuring that the blogger fits with your brand. I always love working with Rebecca, she loves the label which is very important to me.
Do you find social media a necessity or a hindrance in trying to get your brand known?
It is a necessity. If it wasn’t for social media I’m not sure if the label would’ve received the same level of instant worldwide response.
Cara Delevigne wore a skirt from your label late last year, who would it be your dream to be dressing?
Definitely either Zoe Kravitz, or Jesse Jo Stark.
Do you have your own favourite Australian designers?
Of course I do! In the past my wardrobe has been full of Ellery and only Ellery! I love that her label is seeing such phenomenal success. The latest Strateas Carlucci collections are also out of this world, I think they have a strong future ahead of them.
You’re based in Melbourne, do you think the Melbourne style differs much from Sydney?
I do think the style differs between the cities, black is worn a lot more in Melbourne. In particular, Melbourne as a city has a much larger hipster presence than Sydney.
You speak a lot about style “telling a story,” is there a specific story you’ll be telling at MBFWA?
I do love a story! The story that I will be telling at MBFWA is ‘not for the faint hearted.’
