Scarlett Woman

I have never fancied visiting Australia - too hot for my cold Scottish blood, but I can surely see it's a breeding ground for great designers and labels. When I happened upon Scarlett Gowing, an East Sydney Fashion Design Studio attendee and Central St Martin graduate, I knew she was something special.

I love seeking out designers which have a fearless use of the oftentimes unwearable, who play with texture and shape with gay abandon, concentrating instead on honing their production and pattern cutting skills rather than being easily consumable and understandable. I completely admire risk takers and those brave creative souls who place their work out their; uncompromised and true. Whilst I would not necessarily say this relates to Scarlett Gowing because, although bold, her work is actually very wearable, even though I still sense a real rebellion in her work - a take it or leave it attitude.

Her quirky, cool drop crotch trousers are actually incredibly chic; the studded vest and dress, reminiscent of Stella McCartney's SS07 dress (which was also 'done' by Topshop), is toughened up with masculine trousers, or a killer corset belt. Never before have I seen raspberry look so delicious outwith the fruit itself!

Her sculpted black tops look almost like they are made from some poisonous fungi found in an enchanted wood, and indeed the wicked witch of the tale would probably dress in latex.

Whilst couture is an admirable skill indeed, it's the filtering and interpretation of the essence of couture and applying it to a diffusion line, that I find more satisfying. Whilst there are simple economic reasons for creating more affordable lines, especially as a relatively new designer, with Gowing I still feel a sense of curiousity, of boundary pushing and questioning acceptable norms as to what constitutes ready to wear. The big money spinning labels can be slightly guilty of leaning towards what their consumer wants and expects, and there is often no risk or diversion for fear of losing money. I can see why this is the case, but frankly it can be quite dull. Perhaps, as a person, I admire bravery in people and so it applies in all areas of life - including the creative.

Well done Ms Gowing for providing me some fresh inspiration...I may just go and buy that Topshop studded dress in the sale and hack it into a tank and team it with my charity shop, old man's trews.

Queen Michelle

Comments

[Fashion Tidbits]

that maroon outfit is fabulous!!!!

[lily]

those are some sexy clothes!
I just added your fabulous blog, to my favourite blogs- check it out if you have time

x

[Drusilla]

I love it all....and given that it's robbed me of all powers of coherent typing, all I can say is ME WANTS!

[sonya]

Emily (aka Scarlett) Gowing was a couple of years ahead of me at fashion school some moons ago and she was a standout then. I'm really happy to see she's still creating fabulous frocks.

[Elevatus]

These are called Hammer pants and we saw them years ago....as a passing phase in MC Hammer's career. :)

[jon]

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd read women extolling the virtues of MC Hammer pants. Ridiculous!

[Queen Michelle]

Then Jon darling, you obviously haven't experienced many adventurous women ;D

[Sister Wolf]

I am overwhelmed by craving for everything on her website. What's the point of living in California if I can't get my hands on anything by Scarlett Gowing?!