Interview: August Street
Rachel Rutt stars in the Sydney label's AW12 lookbook.
August Street's AW12 collection is an amalgam of subtle embellishments, embroidery and patterns in anytime dresses and understated tailoring. Check out the full lookbook in our gallery and read our interview with designer Ainsley Hansen, who shares with us the inspiration behind the pieces and what it why she chose Rachel Rutt to front the collection.
Hannah Ongley: The 'Navajo Dreaming' collection looks really fresh and wearable. What drew you to the Navajo theme?
Ainsley Hansen: Firstly, the inspiration from the actual word 'Navajo' lured me in. The term originates from the Native Americans and directly translates to mean a ' member of the native people.' This expression acted as an inspiration.
Taking a lead from the word 'Navajo' and also 'dreaming', we refined our colour palette showing an array of muted beiges set against a backdrop of sunset reds and burnt oranges. Shift dresses, ethnic flourishes, and oversized tunics open the ideas behind 'dreaming'. We loved the current tribal trend that is filtering through the fashion sphere and the spiritual, soulful tone based behind the word 'Navajo'.
What are your favourite pieces from the collection?
Right now I'm obsessed with 'print blocking', so my pieces are generally based on outfits, including 'The Stranger' print pant with the 'Original' jacket and the 'Abstract' pant in Aztec with the 'Native' Jacket. And I'm always a fan of a white collared shirt with tails ? for example, the 'Expressions' shirt.
Oyster is in love with your lookbook model Rachel Rutt. What was it like working with her?
Rachel has always been a muse of mine. When we cast her I instantly fell in love with her aura and restored style. Rocking up with her well-worn Converse shoes on, hot chips in one hand and tomato sauce in the other, I knew she would be the finishing touch for the AW12 collection.
What celebrities would you most like to see wearing your clothes?
I dig the following styles these particular girls bring to fashion ? Anja Rubik, Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth and Leigh Lezark.
August Street has a pretty cool blog. What blogs do look at yourself?
I'm a big fan of blogging and right now my favourite blogs are Bad Lands, Capture The Castle, Hansen Gretel, Crush Lover, Lost Revolution, Kinga Burza and Style Me Romy.
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Introduction: Emily Royal
Interview: Hannah Ongley
Ingrid Kesa
