Glam Adelaide’s very own fashion writer Alexandra Ireland was awarded the ‘Best Emerging Designer Award’ at the Chambord SA Designers Fashion Showcase on Saturday night.
The Adelaide Fashion Festival came to an end with this truly spectacular event held on October 22 at the Norwood Concert Hall.
Ally caught our attention when she came second in the TAFE graduate awards last year and has since spent her time developing her label Necia.
What made you decide to enter the ‘Best Emerging Designer Awards’?
Ever since graduating from an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology last year I knew I wanted to continue to design and develop my label this year. I feel as though I have really evolved and matured as a designer since then as I have had so many fantastic opportunities and experiences in the industry this year. I have volunteered for the Adelaide Fashion Festival in previous years, and I remember thinking… I’m going to enter that competition one year! After studying for three years I couldn’t have been more ready and determined to enter!
Tell me about your collection?
The collection is titled ‘All the right angles’, and focuses on angled lines and shapes used in sexy, sophisticated silhouettes. The range combines angled skirts, tailored shirts and jackets, and sexy cocktail/evening dresses.
My design process began earlier on this year and was inspired by light and shade in everyday surroundings and the shapes that can be created. I also love to work with contrast, so each piece is all about the fine detailing, and the contrast between pleating and sculptural tailoring with soft prints and sheer panels within precision silhouettes.
I wanted the collection to be commercially viable with a unique design element to each piece.
What sort of woman do you design for?
I design clothes for the confidant, sophisticated woman looking for practical pieces with a unique design feature. With a focus on fine details and flawless construction, the Necia label is for women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to show who they are through their clothes.
How did it feel to win?
Winning the award was absolutely amazing! It still feels quite surreal actually. I’m not sure if it has quite sunken in yet. I was really honoured to be chosen as a finalist alongside a group of such amazing designers, and to be chosen as the winner is just incredible!
What does winning this award mean for you?
This award means so much to me! I have put so much work into this collection and think it truly represents me as a designer. To be awarded for something that I am so passionate about by such a distinguished panel of judges is the most rewarding feeling!
I am so grateful to receive the amazing prize internship with Gwendolynne Burkin, and can’t wait to experience and learn more about the industry.
What does the Adelaide Fashion Festival mean for the Adelaide Fashion scene?
I think the festival is fantastic for the Adelaide fashion scene! It’s becoming bigger and better every year and is a fantastic opportunity for emerging talent in the industry to be noticed. I love Adelaide, and think that this competition is a great way to promote up and coming Adelaide designers like myself.
What's next for Alexandra Ireland and Necia?
I certainly have a long road ahead in establishing and growing my label, but am excited to start production on a larger scale and can’t wait to start selling in Adelaide boutiques and markets.
Check out Alexandra’s label Necia on Facebook www.facebook.com/neciadesigns
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