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Un-Naked: Life post RAFW and the dress to die for
UnNaked
MWW dropped in on Andy and Mark from Un-Naked at their creative space in Surry Hills. We wanted to find out how life was post fashion week, what the future holds for their label and more about the dress Victoria just had to have!
With this years step in the right direction, Un-NakeD designers Andy McIntyre and Mark Rogers make a statement to the world that their label is "T's no more!" yes that was the title of the show and the attitude of their movement away from the emerge display that they previously had at the 2008 RAFW.
After finding a park in the more than cramped back streets we head towards the Surry Hills studio. We meet the duo who are hard at work and get straight down to business.
When asked about their influences (knowing that Mark has grown up on the alternative "cool" streets of London and Andy hailing from the eastern suburbs of Bondi) their reply is "we design for us" that is, the boys are creating cool prints on their own cut T's that remind them of sun drenched Paddington terrace cafes and summer basking in Hyde Park London. Looking out the window, Andy says "there is our inspiration". The street below is Victoria St, Paddo/Surry Hills.
Photographing their show in the RTW at this year's Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, we thought, here is the graduation of Un-NakeD. Making a move towards their vision. Expanding to learn about their customers.
I ask Andy if he thought the other labels are being conservative? (ie: cutting costs on sample production and the size of their ranges). Are Labels preferring to go the opposite direction of Un-NakeD due to the current economical climate misled into thinking they are safe!?
Andy: "Yes they are, now it's time to innovate or die. Right now take care to not over-commit. Maintain attention to detail and stick to what you do well"
This attitude and hands on aproach to production make the Un-NakeD product what you would expect, as their runway show displayed. "What you see is what you get. No props, garment tweaking or special effects were used. It's how you will look in it, It's about being real".
Mark has held positions designing for huge UK/European labels, Arcadia Group and John Lewis and this skill combined with Andy's corporate management experience means they are confident that Un-NakeD can meet volume and deadlines of deals in the pipeline. This brings us to post fashion week press and returns from their commitment, showing in a difficult economical time.
Mark explained "Anyone in this industry who thinks that their inbox is just going to fill up and they just need to send a couple of emails is delusional". Fashion Week seems yet to pay off for the duo, although some international and local deals with large department stores and dressing stars in New York City are being held close to their chests. Stay tuned for updates.
We do know that there will be a runway show in a condemned warehouse showing next winter's creation... TBA shortly
If these creations are anything like what we saw at RAFW 2009, especially the last gown that was a must have for model Victoria Makeova (She bought the dress she wore in the show, if that doesn't tell you it was fabulous!) then the boys are truly 'T's No More!'
The future direction for Un-Naked: "something else apart from Sydney exists"
Thanks Andy and Mark.
Good luck and stay in touch
Mike.
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Sarah Norton , 02 June, 2009 12:07:08
That dress is amazing!! I can see why the model had to have it!