I’ve had this jacket in my possession for six months, when I borrowed it for a photo shoot last year.
It didn’t get used in the shoot, and it sat in a dust jacket, unworn and unreturned. Life got in the way, I did a lot of travel but I also have to admit that I didn’t make it a priority.
And for that I am sorry, because it’s a beautiful piece of fashion made by an incredible Melbourne designer, Sonya Kraan.
Doubly important is that it’s sold through Gusto & Elan, a Melbourne store that aside from stocking their own label promote independent, Australian designers.
“Showcasing designers that are committed to individual style, creating the perfect piece to not just be worn, but admired.
Embracing timeless designs that remain current for more than a season.
Not just because they are high quality, but also because they are created by designers who understand the beauty of design, rather than simply churning out the latest trend.
It’s all about attitude, appreciating quality over quantity and looking beyond mass-produced, retail chain stores.”
Amen.
Sonya Kraan is an RMIT graduate whose philosophy on the clothes she creates stems from hidden functionality and transformation. Her garments can change to meet the needs of the wearer, being as simple as removable sleeves or layers for acclimatisation or as complex as garments, which can be reconfigured entirely. You can see it in the folding and button details, the lining and superb finishing of this jacket.
Her clothes are intelligent, wearable and of course, quintessentially Melbourne.
So the jacket is now returned, it is back at Gusto & Elan where it belongs but I hope not for long. One of you has to go in and visit and make this piece of independent, Melbourne fashion your own.
