Bowie fans purr over new cashmere line
Bowie designer Bowie Wong, who recently launched his first flagship store in Sydney's The Strand Arcade, has announced plans for a new capsule line featuring up to 20 styles made from imported 100 per cent cashmere yarns.
Synonymous for the luxury yarns dominating his collections, Wong said he began working with a mill in Italy to produce the best finish for his cashmere range more than two years ago but felt the timing was not right to release the collection until now.
"[I made the decision to launch the range now because I] understood that retail is a little difficult at the moment with the consumer having to spend smarter on better and longer lasting garments."
Earmarked for an Australian release later this month, the women's range is very "lady-like" with a host of 12 colours - including cream, coffee, peach, forget-me-not blue - as well as "cute" intacia motifs of a cameo broach or a pearl belt, together with vintage neckline finishings.
The men's range, available in small, medium, large and extra large sizing, is also available in 12 colours and features unique designs used as social commentary.
Speaking exclusively to Ragtrader, Wong said there were many unique challenges in working with cashmere that he had not experienced with other yarns.
"It is more difficult than other natural fibres to work with . . . it is very delicate and can be prone to break easily when using various techniques you would on other natural fibres.
"I tend to use aged cashmere because the older it is, the softer the yarn."
He said initial interest in the line has proved strong with his sales agent already garnering more than 20 appointments with those interested in stocking the new line.
The cashmere range, expected to retail for between $300 and $450, will be released across Australia later this month - through Jon Laing Agency - and internationally in January.