Kelly Love talks Australian Fashion Week, her AW13 collection and her latest collaboration with Aussie Haircare

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Following the close of Australian Fashion Week we talked to Aussie designer, Kelly Love to find out about growing up in Australia & the growing focus on the Australian fashion scene. We also preview her AW13, which is already a hit with the fashion press.

You can shop her current season collection here > HTTP:// BIT.LY/YGD7WP
You launched your brand at Australian Fashion Week, tell us about your experience
 
It was amazing! I had actually only created a collection of 10 pieces when I applied for New Generation Show of Australian Fashion Week fresh out of university and I got in! It was a crazy couple of months creating the rest of the collection, organising hair & make-up + styling, picking the music to go with the show and casting the models with the other new designers. There is no better feeling than seeing months of work coming together so flawlessly! 
How do you think it compares to the London schedule?
 
It’s quite a different atmosphere as it’s so sunny in Sydney when it’s on and there’s loads of rooftop bars open around the venues. It’s very relaxed and you often head down to the beach for go swim after the shows if you don’t go out! Sydney is also so much smaller than London and quicker to get around, meaning you have more time in between shows. On the other hand London is so creative and vibrant, with alot more over the top looks at fashion week! Perfect people watching material! I do love to be able to layer outfits as well!
 
Do you feel Australia has become more prominent as a fashion destination? 
 
Definitely although I think this has been the case for quite a while now. We have so many incredible designers who have made it as international designers. Lover, Willow, Anna & Boy, Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa, Life with Bird, Romance was Born, Ginger and Smart…..I could go on :) 

Has growing up in Australia inspired a lot of your designs? What do you draw upon when you’re designing a new collection?
 
I grew up in the countryside & my mum is an amazing gardener - honestly, my childhood garden (where my parents still live) is like the sercet garden - it’s so beautiful. Florals have been part of every collection I have made - they are so versitile & most girls love a floral in some way! Australian designers tend to have an element of quirkiness about them too, they don’t take themselves too seriously and I think this is one of my qualities with my label.  
 
I draw upon alot of things - the places I have traveled or places that I imagine to be idyllic, vintage wallpapers, lace trimmings that I often find out and about from little stores, artwork, films, plants and flowers, music…
 
You’ve recently collaborated with renowned Australian brand, Aussie hair care, tell us a little about what’s been happening?
 
I have been so lucky to work with such a well known and loved brand. We designed an exclusive scarf for them that’s available on our website and was given to press at a launch we held at the Mayfair Hotel. My PR agency Kitch & Honey also recently hosted a breakfast with Aussie to launch our newest product - a silk bath robe. The print was created for Aussie in association with their new street art bottles!