Oyster Fashion – Iso Edition: Aussie Creatives Staying #TogetherApart

It’s no secret that the fashion industry has been hit especially hard by COVID-19. Fashion Weeks and upcoming collections are being cancelled or postponed, with designers delaying (or in worse cases, totally scrapping) finished collections, leaving factory workers more vulnerable than ever, while photographers, stylists and models are stuck at home, unable to shoot… at least in the traditional way.

Iso has spawned a whole new era of FaceTime photography, with everyone from Jacquemus (who tapped Pierre-Ange Carlotti to shoot Bella Hadid and Oyster #114 beauty Barbie Ferreira for some new digi ads) to stars like Chloe Sevigny and photogs like Brianna Capozzi getting in on the quarantine hack. The method isn’t without its detractors, though — with many creatives taking to social media to voice their opinion on these kinds of shoots, criticizing it as an invalid art form and reiterating that styling isn’t the same thing as just putting on clothes.

And while we are all for individual opinions, we don’t really see the debate over art forms here. It’s kinda missing the point — that even though the world feels like it’s been put on hold, creativity doesn’t have to be as it isn’t limited by resources, and that art really has the power to connect people even when we’re alone and apart. So, we’re applauding anyone who’s staying productive and creative throughout all this madness (cue in-home studio + SONOS equip upgrades!) … but if you haven’t gotten out of sweats in over a month, though, that’s okay too 😊

Melbourne based stylist and Dot Comme Creative Director Sarah Pritchard, photographer Agnieszka Chabros and hairstylist Xeneb Allen, have taken the concept of at-home fashion projects using the FaceTime photoshoot another step further with their latest series, #TogetherApart, as a way to not just be creative in iso, but to connect with their friends in the fashion community during this time.

After casting models from People Agency, Agnie FaceTimed the beauties and took some pics. She then sent them off to Sarah who printed the photos and started pulling all her favourite SS20 looks to retro-fit with the models’ images. Over the course of three days, Sarah began cutting and pasting (literally, not digitally) styles from the likes of Bottega Veneta, Vaquera, Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Gucci and more onto models, and scanning the images back onto her computer. The next and final step was for Xeneb to create hairstyles by styling IRL wigs and shooting them on her iPhone, from which Sarah was able to print, cut, paste and repeat.

After the images were finished, the group had a series of lo-fi lookbook-style photos that left them feeling connected to each other, despite being at home alone. With over twenty final photos, we had a tonne of questions about what everyone took out of it and how else they’ve been getting through iso. The overall consensus? Apparently, we need to start watching Money Heist.

Read more, below.

Name: Jasper

Age: 23

Current Location: Melbourne

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

I’m currently out of work.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

Working on my art practice.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

Long baths.

What outfit have you been living in?

Trackie shorts and a purple t-shirt with an otter on it.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

Craig Green look 46 for when I go shopping.

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

She Is Warm by Easter

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

[Anything by] Patrick Keiller and Chantal Ackerman, La Haine, and of course, Tiger King.

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

My purple t-shirt with an otter on it.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

Some semblance of routine/spending time with friends in the park.

—

Name: Nasrin Khalifa Dichak

Age: 19

Current Location: Melbourne, Victoria

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

In many ways. This year I was very keen to do some photoshoots that were coming up, but then we had to go into quarantine. Not only has it affected my modelling, but it also has affected my part-time job in hospitality.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

I’m currently drawing and painting as much as I can because I love to draw — it just makes me feel so free, even though we are all stuck inside.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

My skincare routine.

What outfit have you been living in?

My pyjamas.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

If I had to choose one piece, it would be the anything from the GUCCI ready-to-wear collection by Alessandro Michele. I just love everything from that collection.

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

“Caption Hook” by Megan Thee Stallion

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

Money Heist on Netflix.

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

My pyjamas — I probably need to go get my some new ones.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

Honestly, I can’t wait for everything to get back to normal, I miss being able to just go outside without the anxiety of COVID19.

Name: Sarah

Age: 28

Current Location: Australia!

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

Everything has come to an abrupt halt. Shoots have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely, and my main source of income has frozen. I have been lucky to be working on some small bits and pieces at home for a few clients who are happy for me to work independently and experimentally.The shift from working in the flesh on campaigns and projects to working remotely has been quite a daunting but equally exciting and I have definitely learnt a lot.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

I’ve been working on a lot of self initiated projects. Some of these, like #togetherapart have been quite hands on in approach, I’ve been collaging, colouring and cutting out- all by hand, which has been incredibly therapeutic. I’ve been making sets, altering clothing and taking my own photographs using a go pro. I’m finding the less screen time I have, the better I feel.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

I’ve been giving myself more time to read, research and create, without it being for a specific project I’m working on. I have always really prioritised my productivity and efficiency, usually from the moment I wake up to the moment I’m in bed I’m running around, trying to get through it all. The current situation has allowed me to take a step back and slow down. I’m coming to realise that I’m not a machine, and shouldn’t be operating like one. This has definitely highlighted that a dramatic shift is needed in the industry, centring around and supporting creatives in both their physical and mental health.

What outfit have you been living in?

The usuals. I haven’t totally transitioned to grey marl fleece yet, although I do predict it becoming more prominent in my near future.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

I’d feel a lot cuter at home if I was wearing this Vaquera heart dress:

Would also be a great high impact Zoom look for my next conference call.

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

I’ve actually been listening to lots of relaxing nature sounds on Spotify! I haven’t been sleeping well and I think maybe it’s helping?! Cocteau Twins have also felt good to listen to again — a bit melancholy. #feels

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

I watched Unorthodox over two nights. I’ve also been rewatching David Cronenberg films religiously. (P.S. Carole Baskin definitely killed her husband.)

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

I might need a tracksuit upgrade soon. Ugg boots are also on the shopping list.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

I secretly love social distancing rules, as I’m not a very touchy person — I hate hugging you, sorry! So, I’m enjoying lots of physical space! I do miss travelling for work and am really looking forward to heading back to Shanghai, Paris and London when it is safe to do so.

—

Name: Makhosi Mpofu

Age: 19

Current Location: Sydney, NSW

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

I’m blessed to be in a line of work (I also sell clothes & trade cryptocurrency) that has been completely unaffected by recent events. For that, I’m very grateful.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

It’s been quite difficult I’ll admit, but regular walks and heavy internet usage usually keeps me on the ball.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

Baths, if you don’t have a bath you’re really missing out on something, get urself a lil rose bath bomb. It’s a spiritual experience.

What outfit have you been living in?

I’ve got these giant Ann D trash bag waist sweatpants that I’m permanently lounging around in.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

I haven’t been following the runways much but I’m loving some of Mowalola’s recent work.

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out by Panic! At The Disco, Struggler by Juju or 12965WISH by Bloodhound.

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

I’ve been loving Breaking Bad and I’m also almost constantly watching Warhammer 40k videos on YouTube — it’s gone well past binging at this point.

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

I creased my black Air Force Ones, so those gotta go.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

Raves.

Name: Badé Gulmez

Age: 19

Current Location: Ulladulla, NSW

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

I’m not currently working at my regular part-time hospitality gig, and no shoots really, but it’s been nice spending this time to focus on education, relaxing and getting more into photography. So at the moment I’m actually quite happy to be not working.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

I’ve changed my sleeping schedule so that I wake up at sunrise which is something I never would’ve done in my old routine. Watching the sunrise, feeding the birds that come hang out on my balcony, and seeing the world at different times than I normally would is keeping me creative.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

I’m lucky enough to be rural, surrounded by the bush. I go for a bushwalk down to the beach every morning and swim if it’s not too cold so I start the day balanced.

What outfit have you been living in?

My blue and red striped thermal set from Kathmandu.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

Marine Serre Second Skin Catsuit in Monogram, with the matching facemask!

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

5 by SAULT

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

Lots of Studio Ghibli movies and Tiger King of course!

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

My green pajamas.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

Sitting on a bench to do some people watching, before I catch a tram to meet my best friend at the Brunswick Baths to have a chat and eat some carrots <3

—

Name: Domino McCathrion

Age: 22

Current Location: Perth, Western Australia

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

I was working casually in between uni as a waitress but as soon as COVID-19 hit… I lost that job. But, in terms of industry work I work with people when I’m back home in Melbourne only. So COVID has actually given me more access to that creative side of myself! For example, this #togetherapart initiative.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

I live in a house full of creatives… so you can only imagine the amount of activities we surround ourselves daily. I have been reading a lot. Zooming friends and doing play readings! Also, Writing and listening to music on my housemates dope new speakers. The bass… on them. That’s all Imma say.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

My morning pages.

What outfit have you been living in?

My cosy Denim overalls.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

The Shaye Dress from Limb The Label.

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

A Spotify playlist called QUESTING W/ ZAKIA.

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

I have just started Penny Dreadful… and I’m obsessed.

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

My sweatpants.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

I’m very much looking forward to being back at uni (HUGGING) and creating, without having to be 1.5 metres apart.

Name: Latjor Chawech aka LJ

Age: 19


Current Location: Ballarat, Victoria

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

My (retail) job hasn’t been affected as much, just small changes, but very much still happy and grateful I’m working.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

Not much, just keep in contact with certain people.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

Trying to get my skin right.

What outfit have you been living in?

Trackies.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

Ohhh, no clue.

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

Anything Drake.

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

Money Heist.

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

Hmmm, nothing comes to mind.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

Normal life and seeing how modelling goes!

—

Name: Agnieszka

Current Location: Melbourne

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

Very much so — no new shoots.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

FaceTiming a lot,  stalking my cat and dogs with my phone.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

Bubble baths and gardening.

What outfit have you been living in?

T-shirts, tracksuits, cashmere sweaters.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

It’s actually a Lemaire look from FW19.

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

It changes every day, from the Studio Ghibli soundtrack to nineties nostalgia.

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

Star Trek — thinking of a bright future!

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

There’s none, I love my #iso clothes.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

Restaurants!

Name: Xeneb

Age: An inconsequential number between 0 and 100.

Current Location: My home in Melbourne

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

My freelance hair and makeup work and my once a week salon work, both require close physical contact with other humans. When COVID-19 happened, it created both a divide and uncertainty amongst my industry, as to how the social distancing and other measures would allow for business as usual. Clients halted production and salon clients also postponed appointments, as it was uncertain earlier in the course of the pandemic, as to when return would happen. It was the right and responsible time then, for me to make the call to stop work and practice social distancing.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

Oooo! I have a fun project I have started and it’s beginning May 5, called “ How to in ISO” It’s mainly a hair | chai chat, that will happen on IG live and each time I will collab with other creatives (+people from all other walks of life). We chat and create a hairdo together / they do 1 on themselves or we just get creative and share our skillset/ideas. Organic and most importantly to stay connected and chat whilst in ISO. Digital is the new frontier and it’s here to stay.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

In my crazy schedule pre-COVID-19, I was finding I missed family meals, some days completely. My self-care ritual (despite it not being self only) is to have 1 meal each day with my family.

What outfit have you been living in?

At the moment, whatever comes to hand honestly ah! But! Once my IG live collabs kick in… that will change!

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

I’m a trans-seasonal fashion wearer, so I feel I mostly gravitate to the Winter collections. Having said that, Margiela is forever inspiring and an absolute fave and I love look 34 from the SS 20 “Defile” Co-Ed collection:

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

All ’90s, ’90s and more ’90s R&B. But also, anything Mazzy Star, Dead Can Dance, Prince, Bowie, Churches… so so many!

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

I love police procedurals and mystery/drama/suspense — don’t ask why — so the darker the better. We just finished watching Dublin Murders.

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

Woolly non-slip folded over indoor socks…

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

An even playing field for all on every aspect of society and the end of capitalism… Free education for everyone!

Name: Courtney

Age: 21

Current Location: A 6 x 6 metre room in Footscray, Melbourne

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

Greatly.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

Learning the theremin.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

Hugging Solomon (my Greyhound) and them hugging me (human).

What outfit have you been living in?

Big racecar t-shirt!

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

Pink by Boris.

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

Paranoia Agent.

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

Big racecar t-shirt!

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

I’m looking forward to boredom being a luxury again.

—

Name: Gemma

Age: 24

Current Location: Melbourne (just back from Europe due to COVID19)

How has COVID-19 affected your job?

I just returned from Berlin, so I can’t get one.

What are you doing to stay creative during this time?

Out of everything that keeps me creative, I miss people. So I have to say, talking to all my friends and exchanging ideas.

What has been your most important self-care ritual?

I meditate every night.

What outfit have you been living in?

In my sweatpants.

What’s one SS20 piece you wish you could have with you at home?

I love anything and everything from the new Miu Miu collection.

What album is your quarantine soundtrack?

Lana Del Ray’s “In My Feelings.”

What movie and/or TV shows have you been binging?

Dawson’s Creek, Nymphomaniac and Twilight.

What’s the one item of clothing you’ll never want to see again once all this madness is over?

My Kimono, my “I Love NY” t-shirt and my leggings.

What are you looking forward to most when you can get back to work/friends/life?

Hiking interstate with my friends, Saturdays, and eating lots of food.