Seeing as summer couture shows have just wrapped in Paris we thought it fitting to post our friend George Wu’s new Bespoke collection.
Made to measure fashion is a such small market in Australia, and in Brisbane more so. Lack of high society aside, the kind of skills and couture practices that one associates with Parisian houses are generally not part of fashion’s education and training programs in Australian institutes. And it’s not just about the degree of detail in design, but the availability of high quality fabrics. Restructuring of the textile and manufacturing industry over the last three decades forced a lot of production offshore and encouraged imports, creating a shift in consumer thinking.
Struggle as some might (and have), the change encouraged designers to focus on niche-markets. In George’s instance, he’s adding a touch of glamour and the feel of haute couture to his already established ready-to-wear line. Originally launched at Brisbane’s MBFF fashion festival, the collection is a little reminiscent of Valentino, in that way of mixing opulence, extravagence, drama and sophistication. Having known George for several years, it’s clear he has a passion for old-craft techniques and what drives the collection is that dedication to construction, to create something that is avant-garde but also very wearable.
