Author Archives: gemmamay

Fashion Notes | The Fifth Label

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If you visit my blog regularly you will be aware that The Fifth Label is one of my very favourite labels at the moment. With a laid back sensibility, teamed with a focus on quality and wearability each monthly range combines paired back essentials to statement pieces, all at a very affordable price point.

It’s not hard to see how the brand which only launched six months ago, has such a cult following. I had the pleasure of interviewing head designer of The Fifth, Amy Hicks to find out a little more about the label, as well as her style and every day essentials…

Tell me how The Fifth Label is different to the other Aus Label brands? 

The Fifth’s essence is more casual than some of the other labels, with an emphasis on effortless styles, essential cuts and street style aesthetic.

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What process do you go through in designing each collection ?

Firstly we start with a print and from there we collate a whole heap of images that inspire us. Then we start the sketching process, which is where it all comes together.

Who is the ultimate Fifth Label girl ?

The ultimate Fifth girl is laid back, casual and effortless. She’s got a girly tomboy style, but still looks polished.

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Do you design pieces for yourself or your own style ?

I think that The Fifth label really reflects my own style…. I guess that’s why I’m the designer! It comes a lot more naturally when you design clothes you want to wear and truly believe in.

What are you inspired by at the moment ?

At the moment I am loving the feminine trend that is coming back into fashion with longer length skirts and higher waists. We like to pair these girly styles back with a baggy tomboy t-shirt for a look that is very The Fifth.

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What is your favourite fashion purchase ever made ? 

Its not really a fashion purchase but…..I just bought a house! So that’s just moved to the top of the list…

What are your wardrobe staples ?

Grey marle t-shirts are a must have! I think I have about ten!

Whose wardrobe would you love to raid ?

Isabel Marrant – I love her style! She is the ultimate effortless chic.

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What is your every day fashion advice for the Australian girl ?

Don’t take fashion too seriously. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in!

In five years time I will be…

Hopefully still designing collections at The Fifth! I don’t think I could ever stop creating clothes for women worldwide from Australia… The Fifth is still a baby we have only had six collections hit stores, so there is still a long way to go.

You can view the new collection, The Collector ( pictured above) and spend your hard earned dollars on The Fifth Label here

xx

photos are not my own | source the fifth label

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Peony Swimwear Our Lagoon Collection

Peony Swimwear Our Lagoon Collection

Peony Swimwear Our Lagoon Collection

Peony Swimwear Our Lagoon Collection

Peony Swimwear Our Lagoon Collection

Peony Swimwear Our Lagoon Collection

Peony Swimwear Our Lagoon Collection

Peony Swimwear Our Lagoon Collection

The new peony swimwear campaign is set amongst the perfect summer backdrop. A laid-back 70s beach house on a deserted stretch of sand. Featuring a colour palette inspired by the hues of the ocean, the collection is made up of fluid silhouettes, delicate adjustable ties and natural cotton details, giving it an air of ease and simplicity.

Each piece is handmade in Australia and sold separately, colour coordinated allowing you to effortfully mix and match the range to suit you. View the whole collection and shop your perfect new season swimsuit here.

Photos are not my own. Source Peony Swimwear.

Krystle Knight Astral Water Bracelet

After my very favourite petite grand bracelet broke over the weekend I began frantically looking for a new special piece to wear 24/7. I definitely think this beautiful new style from Krystle Knight would be a perfect update. If you know of any other gorgeous string based bracelets , I’d love to know… You can pre-order the Krystle Knight Astral Water Bracelet here.

Photos are not my own. Source Krystle Knight.

Finders Keepers The Label Interview

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Anyone who has read my blog from the beginning will know that I have had a long love affair with Finders Keepers The Label. It began many years ago when a girlfriend gifted me a pair of their shorts for my birthday. These are still a staple in my wardrobe and since then, I have added many more amazing Finders Keepers pieces to my closet.

It’s easy to see why so many of us have fallen in love with Finders Keepers, with a designer as effortlessly cool and lovely as Kate Andy at the helm. I was rather excited to be seated right across from her at last months Cosmopolitan Magazine Fun Fearless Female Awards where Kate won Designer of the Year. I couldn’t help but take the opportunity to ask her to answer a few questions that I could share with you and I cannot thank Kate enough for taking the time out of her ever so busy schedule to do this interview…

Tell me a little about the new Finders Keepers collection ?

The Harvest is our November 2014 collection– and just like a yield from crops, the collection has so many different elements coming together to create something incredible. We were able to pull so many of the colours from the digital floral print in this range to inspire the range’s colour palette – including navy, nasturtium orange, paradise pink and jungle green and also experimented with contrasting ginghams and sheer fabrics. There’s a lot in this collection that will allow any girl to make a statement and be ahead of the trends.

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What are your personal favourite pieces from the collection ?

I love the Yesterday Top and Dress. The sheer ’22’ is a personal favourite design of mine (pictured below) – and I’m a huge fan of gingham– so pairing them together is a dream outfit!

Who do you look up to in the fashion industry ?

I really admire designers who have managed to really own a trend and make it their own. The Isabel Marant Bekett wedge sneaker is my favourite shoe… It’s a design that technically shouldn’t work – and isn’t for everyone – but they are so recognisable and iconic for the label.

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Who is the ultimate Finders Keepers girl?

Finders Keepers girl have fun with their styling and love to get on board with trends. She might not always be the most experimental with her dressing, but she always looks polished and manages to make statements through her use of prints and texture.

Do you design pieces for yourself or your own style?

While it’s crucial to keep the customer in mind when designing, I think anyone who dreams of being a fashion designer does so to make beautiful clothes that they want to wear. I always try and work in my signature into every Finders Keepers range someway or another!

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What has been your career highlight so far ?

Winning the Fashion Designer category for Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Fun Fearless Female Award was a huge moment for me! It’s so humbling to think that what you do every day is being recognised by others in your field and worthy of commendation… It inspires me to keep moving forward!

What is your favourite fashion purchase ever made?

My Celine Sunglasses – they come everywhere with me.

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What is your every day fashion advice for the Australian girl?

Life’s too short to not have fun with your styling. You can look amazing while still keeping within your comfort zone.

What do you envisage for the future direction of Finders Keepers?

More on-trend pieces in amazing prints, colours and sihlouettes! Our Finders Keepers X Fit activewear range is also on its way into stores from this month, which is incredibly exciting. I really believe that Finders Keepers is a complete lifestyle brand.. This is just the next step!

The gorgeous Harvest collection will be released this month, however you can view and shop the current Finders Keepers collection here.

Photos are not my own. Source Finders Keepers The Label.