how to launch a fashion collection

Back in April, I attended the annual Fashion Palette event, an organization which aims to assist emerging designers in gaining much needed exposure in an industry in which new labels can rise to the top in seemingly an instant only to be unceremoniously spat out seasons later.  
Fashion Palette allows these young designers to showcase their latest (or even debut) collections via a runway show to both the public as well as industry professionals giving them the chance to reach their target market.

One of the labels that stood out to me during the event was Maple & Ray, a creation of Sydney designer Renee Saliba and her imaginary friend Maple. After humble beginnings at Glebe markets (where she was selling both vintage and original garments) she decided it was time to reach the broader community, thus launching Maple & Ray as an online store which creatively and cleverly encompasses both the reinvention of pre-loved garments as well as original Maple & Ray pieces.

The latest collection (which was spied on the runway at Fashion Palette) is titled Pour la Couteur, literally translating to For the Colour which is rather apt considering the pops of lime, maroon, deep blues, greens and fuchsia used throughout. Peplum jackets, high-waisted wide legged tailored pants, jumpsuits and shift dresses with dainty cap sleeves all featuring panels of contrasting shades make it a bold range just perfect for that young, fresh woman who dares to be a little different as was originally intended.

S.Vanoska