Cocktail Collection by alexis, eclectic
alexis, eclectic is the métier of Alexis Withers. Made entirely by hand in Australia, mostly by Alexis herself, this rurally-based fashion label aims to create clothing that allows the wearer to express their creative spirit in classical form.
alexis, eclectic is a not to be missed stall at Finders Keepers Sydney Autumn Winter 2018, back THIS WEEKEND at The Cutaway Barangaroo Reserve.
How did you come to be a seller at Finders Keepers?
Before I was ever a seller I was an avid shopper! I loved going to the event and finding amazing creatives, and maybe taking a few special things home. The label became my full time focus when I moved from Sydney to Orange in 2016, and after working on alexis, eclectic for a while I applied as a debut staller holder on a whim and was so happy to be accepted for the S/S 16 markets, you gotta be in it to win it!
Proudly made in Australia, alexis, eclectic is a rurally-based fashion label which aims to create clothing that allows the wearer to express their creative soul from within the confines of classic shapes. Our collections carry a conceptual heart, and are intensely inspired by the native Australian landscapes that surround our home studio.
Talk us through a typical day in the life of alexis, eclectic.
On the days that I don’t have to go to my day job, I wake up and hop into the spare room studio that I have in my share house. I normally do emails and orders first thing, and try to work out a plan of attack for the day.
Depending on what stage I’m at with my collection I might spend the rest of day researching for ideas and experimenting, or planning and pattern-making the garments themselves. I do everything from design to sampling, and then pass my production over to small company in Sydney who produce my final garments.
As I’m writing this I’m just about to start cutting samples for a new collection that’s going to be launching in May 2018, so I’m looking forward to a couple of solid weeks behind the sewing machine!
Backburn Collection by alexis, eclectic
Backburn Collection by alexis, eclectic
What has been your proudest business moment to date?
That would have to be when my first collection was picked up by Frankie magazine for an online feature, that was a dream come true!
Tell us about your inspiration for creativity?
I like to look at a range of different visual sources to get started, art books or the natural world, but I it’s only when I’ve decided on an emotional concept that a collection starts to come together.
I generally start with an idea for a fabric print and then work my way out to fabric and cuts. I’ve been working a lot with collaborators for prints lately, and I really enjoy this process as it always ends up better than if I just worked alone!
I’m inspired by everything Julie White creates; her bright nouveau Australiana world is a place I want to live! I also deeply admire the work of Milk & Thistle, Danielle’s eye for simple design always takes my breath away.
What goals do you have for your business over the next five years?
First thing I have planned is to upgrade my spare room studio to a proper studio set up; I’m starting to need all that extra space! Plus, no home based distractions! I’d love to make more of the clothing myself, so a new sewing machine is on the list.
I also have a wish list of artists and designers that I’m working up the courage to contact for collaboration, so hopefully some more exciting prints in the future!
alexiseclectic.com
instagram.com/alexis.eclectic
Cocktail Collection by alexis, eclectic
Cocktail Collection by alexis, eclectic