With Rosemount Australian Fashion Week now in full swing, Grazia's online producer, Amanda Spackman, caught up with some of this year's most coveted designers to get the low-down on what's hot for spring/summer 09-10.
Here swimwear genius Anna Hewitt shares her secrets on her latest super-cool swimwear collection for Anna & Boy.
What's the coolest item in the collection?
I think the slouchy, pleated polka-dot pants are pretty cool and will definitely be my wardrobe staple next summer.
Which two pieces do you think will sell-out the quickest?
There is a super-cute leopard print and peach bandeau bikini that I hope everyone loves as much as we do. Oh, and a long shirt dress in a pink, red and blue check silk that feels like a really new and fresh summer look.
Describe a day in your life in one sentence
My day usually involves a lot of driving between fabric cutters, makers, fabric wholesalers etc (who by my fortune are a zillion suburbs away from each other) and constant production issue solving on the phone. Oh the glamour!
What tracks will be played at your show?
That would be telling.
What are you doing after it's all over? What are your post-Fashion Week plans?
We start getting organised for the Northern Hemisphere selling season which kicks off with Miami in July. Summer production also begins here in Oz — ready to hit stores in August.
What's been your most recession-proof purchase; something that has stood the test of time?
I have a bone trench coat from the very clever Melbourne label, Arnsdorf, which has seen me through four rainy winters and is still going strong!
What's your best survival secret to getting through Fashion Week?
Taking time to eat a meal (which means more than four canapés) at least once during the week, and staying hydrated at the Rosemount Bar.
Complete this sentence. In five years Anna & Boy will be ...
Hopefully a global success story with every uber-cool boutique from Stockholm to Santiago stocking our bikinis and summer bits!
What is your earliest fashion memory?
My friend's amazing cowboy boots at kindergarten that I would wedge my feet into and just wish my sensible navy Mary-Jane's were as fabulous! I still have quite a thing for the cowboy boot.
Which fashion websites do you visit most?
Grazia (of course!), Net-a-Porter, The Fashion Spot, and some which I keep a secret as they're great resources for styling and designing.
Hate it or rate it?
Harem pants: Hmmm. Not loving this trend. I think it's an excuse for those who secretly want to wear track pants in public.
Black lipstick: Rate this, although hard to pull off unless you are on a catwalk or you're Siouxsie Sioux.
Twitter: Hate. Ashton Kutcher was hotter when we didn't know what he was doing every second of the day!
Big shoulders: Love this silhouette!
Jumpsuits: Hmmm. Harem-pant wearers also like jumpsuits.
Distressed and acid-wash denim: Love.
Tartan: Don't hate completely but don't want people to wear it either.
Spots: Love, especially really large polka dots or really teeny-tiny dots.
Stripes: Love, love, love. You can never go wrong with stripes. Eternally stylish.
Leather: Rate, especially when it's done by Rick Owens, Alexander Wang or [Karl]!
The iPhone: Ambivalent to most technology.
Candy-coloured Ray-Bans: We are done with these now, no? Bring back the Aviator.
Stay tuned for more as we take you to the front row and behind-the-scenes at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week. Sign up to our daily newsletter and stay on our fashion tracks via our Twitter.
— Amanda Spackman
