Sydney-based brand Selfe Studios has released a new collection, one defined by the desires and realities of this era of uncertainty. 

The billowing silhouettes across the collection – promising comfort and ease – achieve a sense of breezy escapism in a locked-down world. In Collection 3.1, designer Alanna Camilleri strikes a satisfying equilibrium in trying to capture the current feelings in Australia. 

“It finds the balance between where we are and where we’re longing to be,” Camilleri said.

“Oversized is definitely a key design element for Selfe Studios and when you’re designing with such beautiful natural fabrications, all you want to do is wrap yourself up in them. We draw a lot of inspiration from our carefully sourced premium fabrications, especially in regards to drape, form and hand feel,” she said.

Beyond the key design elements are carefully composed silhouette details: the use of fluid linen for shirt dresses and tailored pants, a cropped but oversized shirt paired with a tiered maxi skirt, and a theme of monochromatic tops and bottoms.

“…we also design as looks as opposed to single garment pieces. This ensures we achieve a balance between oversized and tailored silhouettes within the collection.”

Indeed, Camilleri said three factors to be mindful of when choosing timeless pieces are fabrication, craftsmanship and silhouette. Whilst colour, when creating a timeless collection, is a “bit of a no-brainer”.

“A neutral palette offers versatile, season-less dressing. Collection 3.1 explored this notion offering a variation of earthy tones,” she said.

Committed to “a world with less”, Selfe Studios looks toward a zero-waste model, currently producing limited collections to minimise waste and aiming for a pre-order practice. And so designer Alanna Camilleri hopes to help in educating around better clothing decisions. 

She had the following advice for buyers: 

“Invest in your wardrobe. I completely understand the hesitation consumers have in spending large amounts of money on a single piece of clothing, but at the same time making conscious decisions to invest in the right pieces that are a) made from premium fabrications, b) made to high quality, in a sustainable and ethical environment, and c) are classic in style and silhouette, will help you build a wardrobe that will stand the test of time.”

Made and produced locally, it’s no surprise the collection feels quintessentially like Sydney: a sea-side romance of colour and form thanks to its sandy tones and soft blues, with a business streak of tailoring and monochromatic matches. 

Given the demands of business-as-usual, the utilitarian nature of individual pieces is a relief; deep side and back pockets of the collection’s gathered skirts and adjustable shirt details champion wearability.  

Collection 3.1 is available to shop now on the Selfe Studios website.

selfestudios.com.au

Yours truly,

P/One xoxo