Sixties fashion queen reignites market
Once a regular of the Carnaby Street fashion set, the Byron-based designer is now tapping back into some fond memories for the launch of her own label Passionfire. Inspired by the rock and roll culture of the time, Bell has crafted an entire collection of mini skirts, flares, shifts and micro shorts for women aged 15 to 35.
Utilising a variety of silks, laces and cotton blends, signature pieces from the range include lace bellbottoms and a black and white op-art dress. Priced from $50 for selected skirts and tops to $550 for a pants suit, Bell said every item is manufactured in Byron Bay with a strong emphasis on detail.
"There's little red rosebuds sewn into some pieces and beautiful lace inserts as well. I really just love the youthful energy of sixties fashion and I'm my rediscovering my passion for it by designing these sorts of clothes."
Officially launching her label at trade fair Fashion Exposed earlier this month, Bell said she is already in negotiations with several boutiques throughout New South Wales. The designer has also employed a state agent to bolster her launch into the womenswear sector.
"Eventually I'd love to look at the international market," she said. "But I'm not thinking about opening a store at this time - been there, done that."
Not her first venture into the industry, Bell said she engineered a series of small enterprises in the past with a label dubbed 'Sensually Byron' ten years ago.
"I'm coming in from the other end of the scale. My dream never really took off at the start so I feel like I'm coming alive by finally being able to do it."