Romance Was Born have always had a link to the art world. Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, the designers behind the brand, constantly seem to be exploring new relationships with potential collaborators for their work. For the label’s latest collection they went back in time for inspiration.
Sydney-based artist and Archibald Prize-winner Del Kathryn Barton was the first-ever artist to collaborate with the brand 10 years ago and despite a decade-long relationship with the brand, Sales affirms Barton continues to be an infinite source of inspiration. Speaking to Vogue earlier last week Sales said:
“Del was the first artist we ever collaborated with 10 years ago; it’s come to light again after reflecting on the last 10 years, and also our friendship that we have developed. It felt like the right time to go there again…We could really draw so much inspiration from her work and with her practice now having grown into film and collage these works themselves are something else we could explore….it really is a bottomless pit.”
Highlights from the collection include the ‘chakra’ garments embellished with Swarovski crystals, natural crystal and minerals, which were interpretations of what Sales calls the “orbs” in Barton’s work. Other creations include the brand’s development of their own burnt out velvet, and different types of pleating.
Romance Was Born will close Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia on the 18th of May.