By Cindy Man Hun
DHL – the world’s leading logistics company – announced the finalists of its 2015 Express Fashion Export Scholarship at the beginning of this month. All incredible up and coming Australian designers, By Johnny, Christopher Esber and Viktoria + Woods were chosen as a result of their already outstanding domestic market success, design aesthetics, potential to appeal to an international audience, as well as their realistic schemes for global expansion and sound exporting strategies. The lucky winner will receive AU$10,000 of international freight, IMG and DHL Express mentorships and the opportunity to fly to New York and meet with an international buyer at Fashion Week.
On this occasion, we got to talk to Christopher Esber himself, about his work, what it would mean for him to win the scholarship and future prospects:
Q: You’ve earned a lot of success so far, for someone so young. How did you get started as a fashion designer?
A: Thank you, from as early as I can recall I’ve been drawing clothes. I studied at Fashion Design Studio of Ultimo TAFE and thereafter trained with a tailor for 12 months before starting my label, and showing at Fashion Week in 2010.
Q: What inspires your design aesthetic?
A: My ideas begin in many areas before honing the concept to one core, pure idea. I’m inspired by the women around me, the attitude and how they wear their clothes and hair day to day.
Q: What kind of woman are your clothes aimed towards?
A: I consider the Christopher Esber woman to have her own style and identity. She is feminine and refined and values well-made, tailored clothing. She is ageless.
Q: Is there a recurring theme behind your collections? Or is each one driven by their own theme?
A: Textile and fabrication play an important role in the creation of each collection. It’s more about texture and cut, than colour for me. I’m always thinking about what the Esber woman is thinking and feeling when she wears my garment.
Q: What would winning the DHL Fashion Scholarship 2015 mean to you, personally?
A: It would be surreal, and I would feel honoured to be recognised for this scholarship, as my vision is to continue expanding into the international market.
Q: Can you reveal any future plans for your brand?
A: Showing internationally is a big one for me; I’d love to be showing on-schedule at Paris Fashion Week.
Related
-
REVIEW OF EDENVALE’S PREMIUM RESERVE RANGE
Words by Andrew Kemp Images Courtesy of Edenvale We’ve all had some unpleasant surprises, haven’t we? Like when the “Poisson et frites Anglais tradionelle” on the restaurant menu turned out to just be fish & chips. Or when the premium coffee at the new “must visit” spot just doesn’t match up to your regular hole-in-the-wall’s … Read more
-
COCKTALES ON THE COUCH
Cocktales on the Couch with Wayne & T0m *Book Launch held at Diesel Bar Melbourne Wayne and Tom are the cocktail-loving couple who have been making us laugh out loud as they sit on their couch, watching TV. In Cocktales on The Couch they reveal their favourite cocktails and the memories that inspired them. Find out … Read more
-
Saké Restaurant & Bar bursts with Cherry Blossom inspiration
Saké Restaurant & Bar welcomes Spring… Saké Restaurant & Bar is celebrating the arrival of spring and the stunning sakura, or cherry blossom, with an exclusive Champagne dinner and special cocktails available throughout September. Saké The Rocks in Sydney, Saké Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane and Saké Hamer Hall in Melbourne are also ushering in … Read more
