Wonders Down Under

The uber cool Alpha60 is known for its fresh take
on classic styles and cuts, and for referencing popular culture.

By Charlz Chan
The FashionHISta

An edited version of this article appeared in Sunday Star, 14 February 2009.

In the world of fashion, one would not think of Australian designers as cutting edge or world-famous. However the land Down Under does have it’s own style and look, when it comes to clothing.

R.M. Williams is one name that is synonymous with the Aussie Outback. Considered the Loewe or Hermes of Australia, it is a brand that originally started out specialising in bespoke leather goods and saddlery. This iconic Australian company began making boots and saddles in 1932, and today has diversified into its trademark moleskins, jeans and bush shirts.

This is one of the reason’s Catherine Martin, the costume designer for the film Australia, (starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman) plundered the archives of R.M. Williams’s headquarters in Adelaide when doing research. The epic film directed by Martin’s husband Baz Luhmann (of Moulin Rouge fame), was set at the same time Mr. Reginald Murray Williams started making his now famous boots. So inspired by what she found, Martin has designed a small capsule of limited editions for R.M. Williams as a tribute to Australia, the film.

Considered the quintessential Aussie Bush Outfitter, R.M. Williams now offers a full range of boots, hats, eyewear, bush work wear and casual wear for men, women and children.

From the bush to the bohemian Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, north of Melbourne’s city centre; we find the head office of ube cool label Alpha60. Created by brother-sister duo Alex and Georgie Cleary, this label is known for their fresh take on classic styles and cuts, and for referencing popular culture. A constant source of inspiration is derived from influences of iconic films like Buffalo 66, The Ice Storm, La Haine, Twin Peaks and most notably Jean-Luc Godard’s 1965 cult classic Alphaville.

This theme is very evident on entering their boutiques called Alphaville in Melbourne and Sydney. These boutiques pay homage to the label’s celluloid muses who gaze watchfully from the store’s crisp white walls.

Their Summer 09 Collection consists of clothes for both men and women in only black, white and grey. Monochromatic, stark, edgy and dramatic; Alpha60’s clothes are for the young and cool. This label has shown at Fashion Weeks in Paris and Melbourne; and was invited by Jamie Oliver to design the uniforms for his restaurant FIFTEEN in Australia.

From the ultra cool to the ultra wearable, we find GRAB Denim that originated in 1999 in the suburb of Collingwood, Victoria. GRAB Denim is focused on pure design innovation, and launched their menswear line in 2008.

“Spring Summer 09 is about young lovers, happy colours and childhood simplicity prints,” says GRAB’s menswear designer George Chan. “Spring starts off young at heart and matures into Summer.”

Looking through the racks in their Chapel Street store, it was the intimate and minute detailed twists that make this collection special. This was evident in a grey marle T-shirt that caught my eye. It had a red foiled printed logo on the inside neck, and was finished with a contrast blue velvet back neck tape. It had a small welt coin pocket on the front, just below the V-neck, with a button strap that closed it shut. To finish it off, there were two chain-stitch pinstripes sewn on the front, with the label’s name embroided on the left side. Talk about details! Though it may seem like there were too many applications on this one T-shirt it did not look over done.

The men’s jeans range from mid waist to low rise; slim leg to straight leg and engineered. All denim has GRAB’s signature side stitch detailing and certain styles have a hidden pocket in the back yoke. Innovative washes also add to the jeans uniqueness. From the battered and threadbare “Brunswick Destroyed Jeans” to the dark “Fitzroy Raw Resin”, there is something for everyman.

It was interesting to see that GRAB denim is sold through their own retails stores located throughout Australia and New Zealand, but is also sold in Dubai, Philippines; and in CK Tang in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

There are other labels I would like to write about and many other topics I have yet had the opportunity to touch upon. But my time and column space has come to an end. Unfortunately this is the last time I am writing as The FashionHISta. I hope I have managed to impart my fashion experience and knowledge to you, or at least have managed to brighten up your fortnightly Sunday reading.

Charlz bids you good health and hopes you have a stylish year. When in doubt, always overdress!