With Rosemount Australian Fashion Week only mere weeks away; our wardrobe options are as imperative as ever. After all, we can’t let the fash-pack have all the fun! In celebration of RAFW, Rescu. caught up with one of our favourite accessory designers, Samantha Wills, hoping she would lend us a fashion tip or two. We weren’t disappointed….
RESCU: How would you define Australia’s fashion sense?
Samantha Wills: I think Australian women have a very savvy fashion sense. It is confident and forward, yet natural and original. Living in New York I see a lot of fashion and I really believe our Australian fashion sense is world leading.
RESCU: When did you realise you wanted to become a designer?
Samantha Wills: I honestly cannot remember! I have always been interested in changing things creatively, whether altering clothes, changing my room around as a child or pushing the boundaries in art class – so I guess it was written in the stars! I had to have my own brand because I don’t think I ever liked being told that something was right or wrong in the creative sense.
RESCU: What was the first piece of jewellery you ever designed?
Samantha Wills: In school, I used to make necklaces and bracelets on a loom, each would take an hour or so to make and I would sell them to my friends. This was in primary school… I don’t think those designs will make the SW design archive in years to come!
RESCU: In your perspective, how does designing jewellery differ from designing clothes?
Samantha Wills: When designing jewellery, you are designing it to complement the garment. I have heard jewellery designers speak about how jewellery/accessories are just as important as clothing and I think that is quite obnoxious. Jewellery is always going to be secondary. That is not to say that in some occasions the jewellery will not stand out and be the focus (ie a plain black dress with statement turquoise and gold accessories) however the jewels are the fireworks, not the main event.
RESCU: What are the top accessories trends this Autumn/Winter?
Samantha Wills:
- Bold pendants / statement necklaces??
- Don’t quote me on this as a trend, but its personal favourite – cocktail rings in blacks and gunmetal’s, LOVE!
- Tote bags?
- Ankle boots – an oldie but a goodie??
- Gloves
RESCU: What are 5 accessories you think every girl should have in their Autumn/Winter wardrobe?
Samantha Wills:
- Statement ring??
- Jewel tone scarf??
- Leather gloves??
- Grey ankle boots?
- Oversized clutch
RESCU: What can we expect from your upcoming Spring/Summer collection?
Samantha Wills: It’s all about making a statement and bursts of colour- contrasting harsh metal with soft sunset shades. It’s not for a while yet, but I’m super excited to reveal our next SS11 campaign!
Neither can we!
Visit samanthawills.com for more information and to see her incredible current collections.
