Based in Sydney, Marnie Skillings debuted her eponymous label in 2000 at Australian Fashion Week, as part of a ready-to-wear group show with three other graduates of Australia’s industry incubator: the Fashion Design School at East Sydney Technical College. That first show revealed Skillings’s singular abilities to combine a sophisticated feel for cut, colour, print and texture in her work with a very definite sense of fun – all underpinned by a strong narrative thread.
The label is known for its use of natural fabrics – be that soft, washed silks, Italian merino wools, or hand-loomed lace made in France; for its original prints, which the Sydney designer creates herself; for its blending of modern shapes and moods with hints of vintage styling; and, most importantly for its wearability. These clothes have personality without being intimidating or dictatorial. You wear the clothes; they don’t wear you.
We spent five minutes chatting with Marnie Skillings…
Label name:
Marnie Skillings
Designer name:
Marnie Skillings
Where are you from?
I grew up in the country in northern NSW, Australia and am now based in Sydney. In 2007 I opened a boutique in Woollahra, Sydney, and now I also work from a studio at the back of the shop.
Your style…
A blend of modern shapes and moods with hints of vintage styling. It’s feminine, but wearable and sophisticated.
This season's highlights…
this season’s collection, ‘The Hand of Fete” draws on the blithe spirit of the circus and the fun frivolity of carnival, with a fresh focus on simplicity and a new take on classic shapes.
The season’s original print is an imaginary landscape reminiscent of a fin de siecle Degas ballerina painting. Set alongside autumn winter cornerstones of black and navy are bright flashes of lipstick (jewel pink) and tang (bright orange).
Fabrications include rich velvet, silk, cashmere and Italian cableknit yarn, complemented by voile, delicate georgette and organza. There are also dainty details of beading as well as hand crochet, French-milled lace gloves and leggings.
What are you most famous/renowned for?
Effortless sophistication, wearability and vintage-inspired styling.
Two of your favourite things about winter…
Layering clothes and lattes
Two designers or design eras you admire…
I love art Deco and Surrealism
Something you absolutely can't live without…
Creatively inspiring things!!!
Some of Marnie Skillings Creations...
On the net:
http://www.marnieskillings.com.au/
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