july-2010

All photos: Justine Gaudry
its debut at this year’s Australian Fashion Week
with a dreamy collection inspired by the ocean.
The brainchild of resident Norwegian designer
Linda Bergskas, the avant-garde label is making
waves on the Australian fashion scene with its
mix of relaxed glamour and bohemian style.
Bergskas, who started the NFW, says
Newcastle’s fashion scene has grown by leaps
and bounds over the past few years. “I have
found Novocastrians to be very supportive
of their local designers. I love the beach, the
relaxed vibe and the creative environment
Newcastle has to offer,” she says.
Louise Mackay agrees. “The community
really gets behind young men and women
who aspire to make something of themselves.
There’s a lot of support — education,
government and community backing, spaces to
show their talents and of course, some amazing
people to look up to, including the High Tea
With Mrs Woo sisters, Linda Bergskas from
Guanabana and the Romance Was Born duo,
who hail from Newcastle”.
Along Darby Street, you’ll also fi nd the
eclectic Blackbird Corner, which makes its
own pieces and showcases local designers,
while Flash Heart off Darby Street specialises
in handmade corsetry and beautiful lingerie.
Overt stocks a unique mix of urban
apparel for men and women, with half the
labels exclusive to Newcastle. Similarly,
Abicus has a great range of urban street
labels, while Ramjet has funky threads
and accessories for both sexes.
HUBS — THE OLIVE TREE MARKET,
THE JUNCTION
To meet and buy from upcoming local
designers, visit the wonderful The Olive Tree
Market on the fi rst Saturday of every month.
It showcases Newcastle’s contemporary art,
craft and fashion directly from the craftspeople
themselves, and every item on sale is
handmade. There you’ll fi nd local gal Brianna
Brent, the owner and designer of Miss Lulu, a
’50s-inspired label. “I only use small runs of
fabric to ensure my customers look like no one
else around,” she says.
You’ll also fi nd Trish Stenzel from Miss
Fancypants (part of the Make Space cooperative)
who specialises in vintage-inspired
underwear and swimwear; Sketch & Jones’
eclectic hand-printed cushion covers, kids’
toys and clothing; and Little Buddha’s vintage
children’s clothing, mostly made from recycled
fabrics. Afterwards, wander over to The
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: There
is plenty to see at The Olive Tree
Market, like artworks by Limerick
Kaye, drumming performances
and face-painting sessions
Mark Your Diary
Newcastle Fashion Week
12–18 September 2010
Th e Store, 854 Hunter St, Newcastle West,
www.newcastlefashionweek.net.au
JULY 2010 45