Leona Edmiston kicked off her career as one half of the “Morrissey Edmiston” label, which she launched in the 1980s with former partner, Peter Morrissey. Today, the high profile fashion maven — who has dressed a string of celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Elle Macpherson and Helena Christensen — is considered one of Australia’s leading designers.
SheKnows AU: How did you get your start in the fashion industry?
Leona Edmiston: My parents enrolled me into fashion college, and after this Peter Morrissey and I started our first label “Morrissey Edmiston”. This year my solo label “Leona Edmiston” celebrates 12 years in business!
SK AU: Where do you get your inspiration as a designer?
LE: The women who wear the frocks inspire me! It’s also so much fun exploring print libraries and adapting prints and colours and transforming them into beautiful frocks.
SK AU: How would you describe your own personal signature style?
LE: Ever-changing. I’m not scared of mixing prints and colours. You will also never see me without a fabulous piece of vintage costume jewellery!
SK AU: How did you become involved in Fashion Palette and what does the event mean to you?
LE: I have seen Fashion Palette grow from strength to strength in the past five years. We were really excited to be part of it and show not just the media, but also consumers, a sneak peek into our upcoming collection.
SK AU: What trends do you forecast to be big for winter?
LE: I love winter; it’s all about layering the frocks with beautiful knits, pins and gorgeous jackets. Prints are once again very strong this season.
SK AU: What advice do you have for emerging designers?
LE: Don’t be afraid of hard work — there will be long days and sleepless nights — but it’s worth it to see your creations on the street!
Fresh from New York, the Fashion Palette runway show (held Thursday March 7) will feature 16 Australian designers showcasing their Spring Summer 2013/14 collections ahead of Australian Fashion Week and LMFF. This will be the very first preview for media, buyers, celebrity fashion identities and consumers, with key designers showing including Nicola Finetti, Akira, Bettina Liano, Leona Edmiston and Arthur Galan AG. Tickets here.
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