By Lillian Flexmami Ahen
It’s about that time to show some love to the passionate aspiring designers of the world, bridging the gap between novice and expert, with unrivaled commitment, enthusiasm, creative integrity and sheer skill.
Spanning from jewellers who’ve risen to respectful heights by commissioning custom orders through Instagram DM to internet-inspired street wear designers – I’ve had a chat with a few millennial visionaries breaking the internet one piece at a time through priceless nuggets of truth.
DANIELLE KARLIKOFF
Jeweler to some of Sydney’s most revered, if you haven’t heard of the remarkable Danielle Karlikoff, then consider this a sensational time for firsts. With her unconventional design ethos, sprinkled with a heavy dose of innovation, this multidisciplinary designer and artist is no stranger to cultivating greatness.
It takes the average person half a year to start thinking about actuating their New Years resolution. It took DK less than this to build a community of cult clients, garnering more than 50 custom commissions with plenty more lusting after a piece of this visionary’s legacy – myself included.
Gather your pre-conceived notions about jewellery, send them to DK to wax-cast then slather them in 18K gold and adorn them with the most luxe jewels your heart desires. Inspired by the chaotic mindlessness of millenials and those who don’t have to spend money to look rich, if there was ever a person you’d want to guide you down the opulent, well-lit path of jewellery appreciation, it would be Danielle Karlikoff. She spares no detail and she spares no expense.
Collect your coins in preparation for her long awaited website launch, featuring a collection of bespoke pieces.
What’s a lifestyle mantra you live by?
Something I saw on some guys t-shirt the other day for sure. “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” Um, so true right?!
What’s a design mantra you live by?
You don’t need symmetry for balance.
The most underrated clothing item/accessory/trend in your opinion?
Perfume and scents.
What drink/food keeps you nourished so you can create?
H2O; a classic hit.
ELLA MAXIMILLION
The creative manifestation of Sydney designer ELLA MAXIMILLION sees her combine her love for refreshingly liberating thot culture with ‘werking’ class luxury.
The inception of her brand resulted in coveted silver “femme-gangster jewellery”, which comprised of earrings and chokers adorned with text like ‘GIRLS’ and ‘HOMME’. It has since evolved into an apparel line, which serves to confront her audience with a collection combining the traditionally ugly with conventional beauty. This means classic Juicy Couture-ish tracksuits in Met Gala worthy fabrics and diamante-adorned denim hoodies. What’s not to love?
Her creative prowess coupled with an unrivalled ability to up skill has resulted enviable technical vision that doesn’t compromise on quality. Next. Level. Inspiring. Catch her at MADE Sydney this weekend.
What’s a lifestyle mantra you live by?
Override assumption. Fuck gender norms. Be a luxe bitch even in second hand clothing and always be in awe of the talented people around you.
What’s a design mantra you live by?
Shake up conservatism and deliver it in a Tiffany’s box.
What style/trend do you see growing to mass popularity in 2K16?
DIY Chaps! 2016 is the year of the thot and its refreshingly liberating. Also nerdy reading glasses and veils.
What drink/food keeps you nourished so you can create?
Hummus and bubbles. As if I cook, she’s too busy!
If you’re not designing where can I find you?
At FBi Radio or out watching one of my talented friends DJ or at one of Sydney’s curated festivals like BAD, Volumes, or a party like SETTINGS. Shout out to SETTINGS DJs and SPORTS who are playing at MADE festival this weekend!
CAITLIN SHE
With her creative portfolio spanning from illustrator, to seamstress, curator, clothing and textile designer, it was my utmost pleasure to immerse myself into Caitlin Shearer’s vibrant design ethos.
Moving to the bustling city of Melbourne only 6 months ago, she credits her success to the complete immersion into the scene, and her love of everyday stimuli like roses, rainbow pasta and unrequited love.
Her creative sensibilities are a combination of deliciously intriguing influences, building a foundation of ladieswear rooted with a dash of old fashion subtleties. These are then sprinkled with ornamental elements made for modern feminists and allies wanting to look like walking artworks.
Designed for sophisticates and eccentrics alike, if you have a penchant for bold colours, risqué prints and an opinion on love, art and Netflix – then you need to get across Caitlin She.
What’s a lifestyle mantra you live by?
Trust your intuition, above all.
What’s a design mantra you live by?
I don’t think I have one! People say that pink and red should never go together but that’s the best combo ever, so why listen to those sorts of things? Make your own game and play it well.
What style/trend do you see growing to mass popularity in 2K16?
Shaved heads, bright crayon eye makeup, comfy shoes (maybe those 90’s masseuse sandals) genderless clothing, gender swapping and fluidity.
Who’s style are you inspired by?
Grace Adler from Will & Grace, everyone on Ru Paul’s drag race, Picasso’s wife Jacqueline Roque and Audrey Hepburn.
DEMIAN RENUCCI
The enigmatic French-Australian designer Demian Renucci is a testament to consistent, frequent and relevant brand work. Choosing to remain virtually ‘faceless’ to let his aesthetic speak for the brand, the brand’s humble come up from a single beanie in 2014 to this year’s full apparel collection is cause for congratulations.
Heavily influenced by the aesthetics of late 90s and 2000s fashion, DR has garnered a remarkable amount of digital acclaim, known as one of the cult uniforms for club kids across various continents including Sydney’s local ‘internet-inspired’ label/club night Sidechains.
Inspire mostly by the intangible confidence of seeing people feel empowered through his clothing, and feeling themselves something severe, the Renucci reign just won’t let up.
What’s a design mantra you live by?
If you’re going to design it and sell it, it has to be shit you really fuck with. When you know, you know. Apply that, and the rest always sorts itself out.
What drink/food keeps you nourished so you can create?
Coffee and Mineral Water. Special shout out to Topo Chico, Mineragua, Coles Soda/Mineral and Woolworths Soda Water. I’m not with that light bubble stuff.
LAUREL AND HECTOR
If I could bottle up, stock and sell energy, flamboyance and enthusiasm a bottle – that wasn’t my own – rest assured I would be buying up a lifetime of Kee Kee’s essence. Best known as the head designer and owner of fashion and apparel label, Laurel and Hector, this former bartender and brothel host has design aesthetic is authenticity personified.
From finessing her way into a design role at a local lingerie boutique – where she managed to excel and sink a few cold ones at lunch – Kee Kee’s training has resulted in collection of pieces perfectly fit for a punk Dolly Parton meets Intergalactic Hussy. If it’s above the knee and drenched in sequins, rest assured this enterprising designer has made it, worn it or envisioned it.
With an unwavering interest in creating ethical fashion, her core inspirations stem from her ‘full blown psycho’ peers and the intense urge to create things that she’d want to wear. If that’s not incentive to cop a piece from the range, then you fell off!
The most underrated clothing item/accessory/trend in your opinion?
Clip on earrings! I flog those bad boys daily. The tip is you need to purchase vintage clip-ons, which have been worn in by old ladies.
What drink/food keeps you nourished so you can create?
Coffee & bananas. I mean wine.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
My friend Tiffany Cadillac modelled Laurel & Hector in Nylon Mag Japan! I was so stoked because not only was it a close friend but my first international magazine feature.
ISABELLA JACUZZI
With a name that screams opulence, a design prowess that yells gifted and a wardrobe to make the Versace empire weep – 2016 is the year of Jacuzzi. This Brisbane based stylist, designer and creative has taken her aesthetic to an enviable level, combining colourful, clashing and unpredictable textures, fabrics and techniques.
Off the back of having her art displayed in GoMA, Jacuzzi has recently unveiled her graduate collection, ‘Child of Hell’ which combines her childhood obsession of alternate fashion with the much-loved and referenced Riot GRRRL movement.
With her inspirations spanning from the minute of a window panel to the grandeur of celebrity starlet Rihanna, Jacuzzi is on a new level and it’s best that you keep your eyes firmly glued to her content for hot tips and a lesson in individuality.
What’s a lifestyle mantra you live by?
Everything happens for a reason – super cliché but definitely relevant.
What’s a design mantra you live by?
FASHION IS LIFE AND THEREFORE MY DESIGN MANTRA IS MY LIFESTYLE MANTRA. Seriously.
What drink/food keeps you nourished so you can create?
Burritos! I loooove burritos.
The most underrated clothing item/accessory/trend in your opinion?
A HAIR CUT!
SHEKUDO
Fellow queen of the multiple hustle and co-designer of Sydney label SheKudo, Amy Iheakanwa’s personality and design aesthetic is the personification of feminine strength.
What started off as a brief exchange of ideas with co-designer Shetu, cultivated a love for Womenswear influenced by the simple nature of colour and texture married with the complexities of architecture and wildlife.
With a professional portfolio built on the foundation of empowering youth through education on empowerment, Amy has seamlessly transitioned these skills into establishing a fashion brand that embodies this ethos.
Her wit, intelligence, finely tuned radar for nonsense and irrefutable taste sees SheKudo steadily building a reputation for dressing some of Sydney’s most inspiring tastemakers.
With imminent aspirations to dress tastemakers like Solange, Rihanna, Miroslava Duma, Oroma Elewa and Nadia Fairfax, there isn’t a better time to get acquainted with this remarkable brand. Shout out to strong females with aspirations that serve to nourish the insides and out.
What’s a lifestyle mantra you live by?
There is no one right path that fits everyone, question the norms and continue to question what you have been taught as truth. Find your own truth.
What’s a design mantra you live by?
Transcend the trend.
What style/trend do you see growing to mass popularity in 2K16?
Trends always come back around, but often with a hole in it, a rip in it, or a choker attached to it. Now that I’ve said statement earrings, watch it happen! My sister and I always have a laugh because whenever I sketch something, I see it on the runway the following week.
What drink/food keeps you nourished so you can create?
Funnily enough, I’m most creative in the mornings on an empty stomach. Little shot of vinegar and I’m off. I do love a good smoothie, though I won’t explain the random mix of ingredients in detail, I already seem a little unhinged.
If you’re not designing where can I find you?
In the garden trying to zen out, writing a poem or a song about wankers intimidated by strong women or dancing to Davido in my brother’s best Nike slides.
