Our next Avant Garde dress Top 10 finalist is CPUT’s Melissa Wynne, a once aspiring lawyer now has the sustainable fashion world in her sights.
Meet Melissa…
What was your initial reaction to hearing the news that you had made the cut?
Scrolling through the top ten and seeing my name and design, I was a little bit incredulous but as it sunk in I became so grateful just to have this opportunity.
Tell us a little more about your ‘RESILIENCE’ look. What inspired you?
My look came about through various trial and error sketches, when I found a look I liked, it vaguely reminded me of something out of Egyptian mythology. It was then that I looked to The Pyramids of Giza and their resilience against the elements as inspiration and developed the look from there. I tried to incorporate the pyramids as much as possible in the design, without the iconic triangle shape becoming too cliché. The horizontal pleats on the panels of the skirt and front bodice are meant to symbolize the view of the steps of the pyramids from afar, while the triangular back opening of the dress is the only triangle I incorporated.
What challenges have you experienced by adhering to the competition principles of upcycling and only using eco-friendly dyeing techniques?
So far my biggest challenge has been worrying about having enough fabric to create the detailing in my design, other than that I find the up-cycling of old garments into something new a refreshing concept that should be explored more often.
One thing we should know about you as a designer?
I enjoy taking risks rather than going for the safe option.
What did you want to be growing up?
A lawyer
Name one local designer who inspires you? And internationally?
Locally, Keith Henning the owner and designer of Adriaan Kuiters is one of my favourite dsigners, his clean aesthetic is a weakness of mine. Internationally, I’ve always admired the intricacies in the gowns of Elie Saab.
Do you currently make sustainable choices when it comes to fashion? What, in your view as a consumer, are the challenges to making sustainable fashion choices locally?
Personally I have looked into sustainable design and have plans to pursue this notion in the future. As a consumer making sustainable fashion choices don’t come easily locally as many of the available choices are not accessible enough financially.
Why do you think there are so few ethically and eco- minded designers locally?
Often I think the association with eco-friendly design is that it is either aesthetically unpleasing, or expensive furthermore that it doesn’t belong in ‘the fashion industry’, therefore designers tend to stay away from being ethically or environmentally minded as they feel it wouldn’t necessarily fit the image their brand is trying to convey.
I can’t start my day without…
Like most people, an extra large cup of coffee
Currently playing on your iPod…
Passenger – All the Little Lights
My own style is…
Eclectic
Name 5 celebs (dead or alive) you would most like to invite over for a dinner party?
Barack Obama, Amy Poehler, Freddie Mercury , Cara Delevingne & Justin Vernon
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Listen to an album from start to finish in the order it is. The artist made it that way for a reason
Current obsession?
All things monochromatic
Top tip when it comes to upcycling?
Your mom’s old clothes are cool again.
