The Fashion Designer Profile series is sponsored by Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy
by johnny is fast becoming the go-to label for Australia’s sexy young things. After debuting his label at Australian Fashion Week in 2010, this year will mark designer Johnny Schembri’s third solo runway show, an incredible feat considering the label is only five years old.
Ahead of 2014’s event, we profile the designer…
Who:
The by johnny label began as a humble market stall in 2009, quickly growing to become the in-demand label for Australia’s young actors, singers and social darlings. Having worked in fashion PR and as a designer’s assistant, Johnny Schembri not only has an intimate knowledge of the Australian fashion landscape- he knows exactly what fashion-conscious women want!
Schembri trained at St George TAFE Sydney Institute in 2006, where he studied fashion design and began to develop his skills in the pattern and print making that are such a recognisable feature of the by johnny label. After a brief stint as an assistant to a fashion designer, Johnny launched his own label in 2009 with his sister Renee, who is in charge of the conceptual and business aspects of the brand, and who he continues to work with in their Sydney-based studio to this day.
Following from his inclusion in the ‘New Generation’ show at Australian Fashion Week in 2010, Johnny has now produced solo shows at the past three fashion week events, which has seen his label cement its place as a name to watch, and become a favourite among Australia’s celebrity and blogger tastemakers.
What sets Schembri apart are his eye-catching prints, which he creates himself each season, inspired by his own sketches, and from inspiring images that capture his imagination in day-to-day life. No only are his designs directional and unique, they are designed to celebrate a women’s body. From figure-hugging mini dresses to sleek longer silhouettes, by johnny celebrates feminity while continuing to innovate through his artistic approach to print.
Signature look:
In a word: SEXY. Inspired by design concepts from the past and present, including the early work of Gianni Versace, by johnny is recognisable by the use of digital disperse dye printing, which allows for prints to be engineered across a variety of silhouettes. Combined with a design aesthetic that preferences clean lines, by johnny reflects the desires of the modern, youthful woman.
He also cites Australian ‘90s music icons like Danii Minogue and Peter Andre as inspirations, from his days watching Video Hits with his sister as a child, and names Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane and Tom Ford as his design heroes. Though Mr. Schembri’s designs still project an unashamedly sensual, party-perfect vibe, there has been a notable shift towards more demure looks, and relaxed pieces alongside the skin-tight numbers in past seasons. And it is this light hearted, fun filled approach to dressing that has assured by johnny a place on ‘one to watch’ lists at this year’s fashion week.
Watch the full by johnny. Fashion Week Australia 2014 runway show below:
The Fashion Designer Profile series is sponsored by Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy
