Graduate learns from French taste test
Little did she know they would one day become her bread and butter.
Formerly the showroom manager for high-end womenswear designer Collette Dinnigan, it was Lavee's knowledge of the language that led her to accompany Dinnigan to the French capital a total of three times - including her much acclaimed 10-year Paris anniversary show in 2005.
It was this early experience that this month gave the 25-year-old confidence to launch her self-titled label.
"Like any designer, I had always hoped to have my own label, so I decided what better way to do it than to learn on the job. I figured that starting my own label was going to be a 'diving in head first' experience at any stage. I don't feel like I'm going in to it too blindly, I've had some great experience seeing the processes of the industry and how things are done . . . I've been lucky to have been shown the ropes at such a high level of the Australian fashion industry."
Launched in time for the spring/summer 2007/08 season, her first collection includes day dresses, cocktail and evening dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, tops and belts.
Manufactured in Australia, the fabrications used in the range include silk chiffon, jersey and faille, summer wool suiting, cotton sateen and voile and stretch silk satin, as well as leather and snake skin for the belts.
Colours include bleached lilac, ash, shade, brulee, lillipilli and milk.
Positioned alongside Aussie designer Toni Maticevski and Kiwi counterpart Karen Walker - and manufactured in Australia - Lavee said the point of difference with her label is the style of the clothes and the innovative use of her pattern making technique.
"The garments have interesting silhouettes, minimal seams and an
intuitive fit because they are designed and pattern-made on the body.
I have used all natural fibres for the garments and the make is of
incredibly high quality."
Selling now, the range is available in sizes six to 14 with price points of between $80 and $300.