Gail Reid, designer of local label Gail Sorronda will return to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) runway tonight after a two-year hiatus.
Here, Reid takes ragtrader.com.au behind her latest collection.
Designer: Gail Reid
Label: Gail Sorronda
Collection title: Mermaids Exist
MBFWA runway show: Monday, April 7, 6pm.
How would you describe the overall theme/look of your MBFWA collection?
The words I would use to describe it are: Ethereal, Dark Romanticism, Little Mermaid Goth and Futuristic Radiolarians.
Where did the inspiration for the collection come from?
A sea of luminous dreams, inhabited by mermaids and ruled by supernatural events. The Ernst Heinkel illustrations of Radiolarians gave shape to life. A divine spark buried in the darkness of matter.
What are the key fabrics, colours and/or prints used throughout?
The colour palette consists of: Black, white, blood red, skin and aqua. Key fabrics are: Silk organza, taffeta, jersey, tulle, net and cotton.
Are there any particular embellishments on any of the garments?
Fish scale sequins and tulle that looks like fishing net. Ernst Heinkel illustrations of deep sea radiolarians and octopus and squid. Disney’s favourites Sebastian and Little Mermaid also make an appearance!
What are the construction details?
Graphic interpretations on the tutu silhouette inspired by symmetry of the Radiolarians. Contrasts emerge through transparency and opacity, and the softening of colour blocking with transparent tulle. Mermaid skirts and fishing-net chrysalis like pieces also feature. Princess sleeve proportions and peter pan collars.
Are there any particular styles that feature more prominently?
Mermaid skirts and Tutus are my key silhouettes.
How many pieces will be included in your MBFWA collection?
Approximately 30.
Which garments feature more heavily and why?
Dresses feature more heavily but the collection is made up of pieces. I feel like the pieces whether they are a skirt, blouse or dress have their own considered quality and feeling.
Hero pieces or favourites of this collection?
I love the way the tutu inspired pieces and the mermaids caught in fishing net pieces.
How would you sum up your MBFWA collection?
Dreaming from the depths of the ocean.
How does this collection compare to the last collection you showed at Fashion Week?
I always feel like each collection is a new diary entry, belonging to the same vision. It is a transformative process.
My last show at Fashion Week was two years ago.
'Oh My Goth' was an installation format with tongue and cheek use of colour.
It was the first time I had introduced colour into my black and white palette but I have since continued using it and have also explored print for the first time.
This collection will still be inspired by what intrigues me the most, contrast and the opposite and equal reaction of things.
But I like the idea of growth through change but it also being an organic one. Feeling uncomfortable and challenging your own status quo is all part of the creative purpose.