Ambitious Phillips sets sights high
SYDNEY: An inability to hand over control has prompted graduate Sara Phillips to boldly tread where few students dare - out of the university gates and straight into her own business.
Phillips, the 22-year-old daughter of Sydney textile designer Lola Phillips, said she had little choice but to start her label just months after completing an advanced diploma in fashion at East Sydney's famed Fashion Design Studio.
"Growing up in that creative environment made fashion very natural to me, and I was consequently always attracted to fabric and clothes. I like to have complete creative control. . . I thought it was important to start creating a foundation for my label while still at college."
Phillips said her plans were further cemented when she was sent on work experience with labels including Jayson Brunsdon and Saba.
Positioned to sit alongside high-end Australian labels Zimmermann, Arabella Ramsay and Ruby Smallbone, Phillips' debut collection will retail for between $70 and $250 and only sell in sizes six to 12. Made from natural fibres including supper cotton voile, silk satin, cotton denim and chambray, Phillips said the key point of difference lies in the collection's prints.
"The original prints I use are all copyrighted to Sara Philips and are on the forefront of trends. I look at trend forecasting two years ahead for print inspiration."
The focal point of the collection is a fitted denim dress with open-ended zip. Manufactured entirely onshore, key colours include dark blue denim, black, lilac, powder blue, silver and white.
The label's spring/summer 2008/09 collection, inspired by the film The Secret Garden and dubbed 'In bloom', features a range of styles including a cascade dress, ruffle dresses and skirts, and a daisy apron dress.
"It's all about a light, fresh floral feel that is easy to wear and makes a woman feel and look fabulous," Phillips said.
The range will be available instore from July with confirmed stockists including Anaki and Euphoria (NSW), Miss Mouse
(QLD) and Sekushi and Lady Boutique (VIC).
By Tracey Porter