Kuwaii
Kristy Barber - Kuwaii
Q.
Describe the first thing you ever designed
A.
When I was around five, I was obsessed with "princess dresses" and sketched them infinitely. I may have to fish out those sketches... Think pale pink full skirts, cinched waists and tight bodices, plus tiara of course!
Q.
Describe your personal style in a sentence
A.
Monotone pastels meets shades of grey in a shape implosion...
Q.
Tell us something we might not know about you
A.
I'm in love with vintage Macrame pot plant hangers - I am collecting them. My new one and current favourite is huge! Over 2 metres long and hangs two plants at once. If only I could keep the plants alive.
Q.
What's your favourite piece from your current collection and why?
A.
The Lost Jumpsuit - it's made of the most amazing soft, drapable, movable, luxurious fabric, it's a suit-in-a-package, super easy to wear - just throw it on for an instant powerhouse look. Also I think that one-pieces are a little underrated, they're a really wonderful wardrobe staple.
Q.
Who is your favourite Aussie model?
A.
I love Gemma Ward's special angelic toughness and her chameleonic properties. And I loved her in those Prada campaigns. A special mention also to Catherine McNeil, she's gorgeous and looked amazing in the Dior show.
Q.
Who's personal style do you admire and why?
A.
After much thought, I am going to say Isabella Blow; she was an amazing woman who had an incredible (albeit sad) life and a mesmerising style. I love her total originality and crazy sense of out there and her look was superbly timeless and inimitable.
Q.
What is your favourite city in the world?
A.
I'm going to rate very highly the last city I visited - Vietnam's Hanoi: such a crazy, bustling, interesting place. It's mix of beautiful French architecture that has been assimilated into an Asian city is captivating. The local textiles are completely amazing and enough to keep me googly-eyed for quite some time.
Q.
What is your favourite boutique in your hometown?
A.
I love Alice Euphemia - it's been such a stalwart of independent Melbourne design for so long. For total amazingness, of course, Marais is my one-stop-shop.
