Josh Goot Interview And AW12 Lookbook
Clean, simple, modern, resolved.
With every Josh Goot collection, I think I've seen his best work yet. That is, until a new one comes along. It may seem like a sweeping statement, but he has to be one of the best designers in Australia. His AW12 collection is testament to this. It manages to strike a sublime balance between remaining true to the label's aesthetic whilst pushing into new frontiers. The pod shapes, which many have gone on to mimic, and deceptively simple lines are identifiably Josh Goot from a mile away; the leather quilting and cotton shirting is fresh and new. A boxy bomber jacket is a welcome addition to the Josh Goot repertoire and femininity comes through with subtlety, like in the lilac and muted metallic dress, which is such a joyous colour combination I might shed a single tear. There is a cult-like following around Josh Goot's use of graphic print each season and this time around the rose is reborn (care of Oyster's own Shane Sakkeus and Stacia Hadiutomo), used as a motif throughout but without any of floral's cheesy connotations. Josh Goot, you've done it again. Oyster caught up with the insanely talented man himself to talk about AW12.
What are your thoughts about your new collection?
I'm proud of the look as a whole, especially the new developments. The rose leather quilting, the wool tuxedo tailoring and the new cotton shirting are important new directions for the season... I hope people see an evolution; a subtle, sophisticated and wearable Autumn Winter collection.
Where did you gain inspiration?
This season I was largely inspired by our customer and a heightened awareness of who she is and what she wants. At the same time, I wanted to advance our message by introducing new techniques, fabrications and silhouettes into the range.
Do you ever feel uninspired?
Often. I try not to work on design when I'm stressed or preoccupied with other matters. I wait for the right time in my own head and in the business cycle, and then I dedicate myself to the process.
How did you come up with the rose print as a motif for this collection?
We wanted to do something iconic and feminine. A rose seemed obvious, but we were conscious that the treatment of it had to be totally fresh. The art is completely original and developed by friends and long time collaborators Shane Sakkeus and Stacia Hadiutomo.
How would you describe the collection?
Clean, simple, modern, resolved.
Do you approach the design process for each season with a different frame of mind?
In some ways, yes. In other ways, no. We always approach the work with a consistent aesthetic sense. At the same time, we work to renew the message each season so that every collection feels unique with its own distinct story and identifiable look.
You're known for your prints. Are there any other 'Josh Goot hallmarks'?
When the label launched in 2005, our signature was tailored jersey. Since then, simplicity, a graphic sense, sport references, and perhaps our consistent presentation of a girl have become signatures.
Do you have a muse?
I'm inspired by different women at different times. I've been working with Jill Davison (fashion director of Australian Harpers BAZAAR). Jill has been a really positive influence on the way I approach the collection.
Ingrid Kesa
