DESIGNER INTERVIEW: PAIGE ROWE
"If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough," were the words fashion designer Paige Rowe shared with her audience of media, bloggers, family and friends at the launch of her debut collection on Wednesday evening. With an Advanced Diploma in Fashion and years of industry experience, Paige is putting "everything on the line" to follow her passion and launch her own namesake label. After falling in love, getting married and having kids put her dream on hold, she decided to make her dream a reality with the support of her loving family.
Paige’ s debut collection is comprised of uniquely designed pieces made from 95% silk and 5% spandex. The leather used is from lambs in France and the collection also features several shoes and bags. Paige’s collection can take any woman from day to night with ease and the pieces can also be layered over each other to create completely different looks. The Finesse Models who walked in the show were a range of ages and sizes, which is anther unique aspect of Paige’s design aesthetic and target audience.
The all white, exposed brick walls of the Queens Theatre provided a delightful yet edgy backdrop similar to Carriage Work’s offsite buildings which frequent Instagram during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. The pumping tunes accompanying the parade were courtesy of the fabulously talented Filip Odzack while Beresford Wines provided the bubbles. Gorgeous green floral arrangements dangled out of DIY structures made by Paige’s husband and the Paige Rowe logo was constantly projected onto the brick walls throughout the night.
I highly encourage booking in a no-obligation, free styling appointment to get up close with the clothes, try them on and purchase. The pieces are versatile, luxurious, high quality and the prices range from $80-279 making the collection affordable for women who want to look and feel great on a budget.
I chatted with Paige after the show to find out what she loves about the Adelaide fashion scene, how this collection came together and her favorite and versatile night out uniform that looks great on every woman. Paige was warm, friendly and happy to share her experiences with me and I’d encourage you to support her on this adventure.
Taylah: Congratulations on your debut collection Paige, it was beautiful! What do you love most about the Adelaide fashion scene and market?
Paige: Thank you! I feel like Adelaide is a bit of an incubator and it is a great place to test the market. I find people are really receptive to something new and I think they appreciate the fact that I, along with others have taken such a big step outside of our comfort zones.
Taylah: Tell us about the designing process for your debut collection.
Paige: It took quite a few years for me to get to this point where I had the courage I guess to take this step. The design process I feel was really organic you know because it started with just one piece. Then all of a sudden I had ideas for another garment that would go with it and so on.
Taylah: What went into the designing of the exclusive prints you talked about during your speech?
Paige: I purchased prints from the graphic designer in Sydney who made them for me so I own exclusive rights to these prints.
Taylah: Describe the Paige Rowe aesthetic in three words.
Paige: Classic, edgy, fashion-forward
Taylah: Who is the Paige Rowe woman?
Paige: I have actually gone out of my way in my collection to give it a broad appeal. Young girls in their twenties have been coming to me and pointing out the pieces they would wear and want, but then my mum who is a women in her seventies has had her eye on a few pieces. I actually feel like the Paige Rowe woman is hard to define. There is no certain type of woman because she could be anyone.
Taylah: I admire how you celebrated women of all different ages and sizes in the cast of models featured in tonight’s runway show.
Paige: Yes, I love how people are appreciating my point of difference.
Taylah: What do you think a classic, go-to night out uniform for any woman should include? Do any of these pieces feature in this collection?
Paige: I am actually wearing my favorite look tonight because I really love the silk pants with the overskirt. As I mentioned on stage, I am a size 14 and I feel like these pants are flattering and pretty my size, along with everybody else. I would also recommend lots of layering which is also featured in this collection.
Taylah: How will you convince people to buy local and support you and your first collection?
Paige: When you buy local, your supporting the mother next to you at school pick up, or the person that you see at the checkouts. I’m not a faceless, massive brand and it will mean the world to me when people buy my clothes. It really makes a big difference to my family.
Taylah: What is the most rewarding thing for you as the designer when you go home tonight after your show?
Paige: That I got through it! (Laughs) No in all honesty, I wish I could have been front-of-house to see the parade because I don’t know what it looked like in the end.
Taylah: Trust me, it was beautiful!
Paige: Thank you! Backstage was a flurry of controlled chaos and it was over in an instant. I think the feedback I’m getting is very rewarding but obviously the proof will come if I’m actually able to sell it.
Taylah: And finally what is one complete outfit from your collection every woman should own this summer?
Paige: The jeans with a shaped hem, a layering top and definitely the vest with the exposed zips to throw on top.
Image courtesy of Be Young PR
I NEED THIS TOP! If you have read an earlier blog post I raved about my love on tops with long panels/ skirts/ dresses/ over pants. Image courtesy of Be Young PR
Image courtesy of Be Young PR
The finale
At the official media wall wearing: Cmeo Collective 'Wicked Games' trench vest (as a DIY dress), Siren Shoes and a Chanel bag
Before the show.
To find out more about Paige Rowe and view the collection online:
@paigerowedesigner
www.paigerowe.com.au
Thank you to Cassie from Be Young PR for inviting me to this lovely event and Paige for standing in the cold hallway to answer my questions.