Gary Bigeni returned to the runway at Afterpay Australia Fashion Week (AAFW), with a new blueprint for his business.
The designer produced a gender-neutral and inclusive 32-piece collection, describing it as a celebration of colour and individual expression.
“I want to celebrate life, what I have been through and overcome and what we have all been through during the last couple of years,” he said.
“I’ve changed direction and focus and want to talk about things that are important to me such as diversity and inclusivity, it’s time to have that conversation.”
Bigeni also confirmed garments are now made-to order.
“I make everything myself and hand paint each piece with pride.
“Sustainability has always been at the forefront of my business model but now more than ever we need to minimise the impact clothing has on our environment on our world.
“Shifting online more during the pandemic really allowed me to engage more with my customers and find out what they want and like.”
Bigeni’s Redivivus collection featured hand-painted pieces in silks, Italian jersey fabrics and vegan leather tailoring with price points from $170 to $500.
Looking forward, Bigeni said the focus is expanding the brand’s eCommerce offering as well as introducing different fabrics to collections.
“Hopefully homewares on the horizon at some stage,” he added.
“I also really want to continue the conversation around gender inclusivity and diversity which are a big part of my brand identity and DNA, and we need to talk about it more in fashion, they are just colours and they are just clothes, they should be for everyone.”
(Image credit: Getty Images, supplied by Gary Bigeni).