I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the forthcoming SS10-11 collection by local lass Su-Wen Leong last night. Against all odds, Su-Wen produces her entire collection in Australia—including knitwear which is one thing that even the most strident supporters of the local industry are usually forced to go off-shore to make.
The UTS graduate is just a few collections into her eponymous label but she cut her design teeth at Richard Nicoll and Vivienne Westwood in London. Impressive stuff. Leong’s look, smattered with interesting asymmetrical detailing, tends towards the sculptural. This collection, her biggest yet, is less futuristic than some of her past work and shows a softer—dare I say boho-infused—side of the designer. The digital prints developed with artist Shalini Jardin are a particular highlight.
When I chatted with Su-Wen, she lamented the expense and difficulty in maintaining local production, but remains determined to make it work. Ethical and ecological responsibility is something close to her heart and she intends to tackle the challenges head on.
All going well, Su-Wen will be part of the HowBigIsYourEco directory very soon.
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