Each capsule wardrobe starts by analysing an archival garment or ensemble. Replica Project #3 investigated a homemade wool crepe afternoon dress from the late 1920s held in the private archive of a Sydney based fashion collector.
The garment was reminiscent of some of the early work of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. In referencing the afternoon dress alongside the early work of Chanel, the intention of this project was to produce a capsule wardrobe developing a relaxed silhouette appropriate for contemporary audiences and timeless archetypes with endless combinations for dressing. Materials, techniques, and design details found within the afternoon dress were explored and replicated through an initial swatching and prototyping processes, developing multiple iterations that were strategically expanded upon to build the capsule wardrobe.
The garments are constructed in our South Yarra studio using the best quality textiles we can source locally, with the majority of these from international fashion companies deeming them deadstock. Using Amanda's specialised skills acquired through her costume career and experience in haute couture the collection is produced, applying a combination of traditional hand techniques juxtaposed with commercial production processes and finished with custom fastenings. The garments are high quality and beautifully hand-finished embodying a sense of history and relaxed luxury alongside a consciousness for social and environmental impact.
