... Musings of the designer Sandra Nizette bringing her collection Edge of Nostalgia from the drawing board to the Photoshoot.
Already I know some readers are confused with the concept of what vintage is all about and how the term fits to ones own style of dressing. We are all aware that there is a difference between looking totally glamorous with designer vintage and vintage inspired fashion or totally old fashioned with some of the outfits we might find in the op shops.
I did a definition of what all of the terms retro, vintage and antique mean on my Biz facebook on the 20th of March ... see San Nizet fashion interior & homewares ... but for our purpose here, vintage literally means clothing from the 1920's through to the 1960's.
The transformation into the culture of recognising vintage as 'fashion' came to the fore towards the end part of the 1990's which is when the trend of following the celebrity culture came into the mainstream and Kate Moss in particular took the lead spreading the word.
Many of the renowned designers of Europe are now looking into their own archives and reinventing previous looks using a modern flair, when creating their latest collections.
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Q&A with Sandra Nizette the designer behind the latest capsule Winter & Trans-seasonal 'Edge of Nostalgia' Q: Why did you decide on a vintage inspired look for your latest collection? A: My girlfriend Wendy, brought back from the Paris markets, a vintage fashion magazine which I was excited about & loved, especially browsing through the pictures (the writing is in french) so this seemed to be the catalyst. As well, I have always followed what's going on in the New York & European collections & Fashion Weeks, so I knew I wasn't far wrong adopting this trend, but with my own San Nizet signature stamp. Q: Did you have a mood board like a lot of designers do? A: Yes, instead of putting pictures up of travels & people & quotes as many do, I put up samples of lace, faux fur, fabrics feathers and sketches of design features for sleeves, pockets, and architectural lines & angles that inspired me. Q: How long has it taken you from say the sketch to the finished garment? A: At least six months, but before that time a lot of thought went into my justification for doing smaller capsule collections this year with designing for my particular client always the foremost in my mind, following my mantra for my last collection ... "Step into fashion and direct your own movie". This really means I want my client to feel beautiful & confident when she is stepping out into the world, wearing my collection. Q: What does this collection "Edge of Nostalgia" comprise of? A: The collection revolves around lace swing jackets, trench coats, vests, boleros, stoles, wraps and theatre scarves ... separate pieces that glam up your wardrobe with a sophisticated, elegant but edgy feel and totally practical as well. Also have some very different clutch & shoulder bags and other accessories like brooches made with 1930 buttons to make your look totally eye-catching & very different from the mainstream. Q: What is your 'point of difference' with your latest designs? A: They are Australian designed and made which seems to be unusual these days. The line of the jackets and pockets have interesting angles and have a blend of very different textures which gives a different dimension to the look. Have also used the best quality fabric so is beautiful to wear as well as having longevity. The key is practicality with a very modern, edgy yet feminine limited edition design. Q: When will "Edge of Nostalgia" be released in your San Nizet studio for purchase? A: The photoshoot will be on the 22nd of May so the capsule collection will be up on the website on the first day of winter the 1st of June and then able to be ordered from the studio the following week. There will also be Studio Fashion Teas so if you would like an invite let me know sandra@sannizet.com.au |
Base versatile winter top with detailing on sleeve ~ lunch out so needs some glam.
This necklace attracts focus to the detail & colour & reflects the pleating of the sleeve which would also be seen at a table.
San Nizet Biz Shirt styled on its own has already great satin detailing but on this occasion wants colour to provide focus
The tie adds an edgy androgynous look and the red beading is interesting, arty & evokes passion.
The great white Biz Shirt now with the addition of gold glow & classy pearls - give a dressy but relaxed look
The LBD - so classic - so crying out to be accessorized
Look at me now! The eye follows the style of the dress as the detail & colour of the loosely knotted tie gives an interesting ethnic twist - definate conversation starter 
After watching the progression of Fall 12/13 Fashion Weeks from New York to London through to Milan, waisted pants, skirts and cinched into the waist dresses are definitely in the forefront of high fashion into the future. Following the trend are appropriate accessories to complement the total waisted look.
Contrasting, loved the Son Jung Wan Fall 12 collection, featured review in my 

The padded sunglass case for big sunglasses seemed to be the most popular, because to find this size in a softcase is difficult and also the satin lining allows the glasses to easily be slipped in and out, as everyone is on the run. I must admit I had to get into the habit of putting the glasses into a case instead of just throwing them in my bag, and so worth it, knowing that I would get a bit more wear out of my Ralph Lauren sunglasses that I have got so attached to! Can't think of the day, they would become disposable because I didnt take a little more care.
A bonus with the smaller sunglass and reading glasses case is that I can actually find them now! I have a pair for each of the areas of the studio and my home where I tend to read, and when they are in the case I can spot them easily. Next year I am going to make all of my cases to match the decor of my home but then thats me ~ hugely into interior design as well as fashion design.
With the shown photo, I have given you a peak at the little cutie case which is in fact a phone case. That was designed around my own needs when I got a new iPhone and even though I had the backing case, I felt it was still prone to getting scratched in my bag, since I carry every conceivable thing I "might just need''. Those who saw it loved it, so it will be definitely on the agenda next year. If you would like to have a browse and check out my other photos of sunglass and reading glasses designs, it can be found on my business facebook page ...
The Very Moorish Christmas Shortbread Recipe
... served in the San Nizet studio from a family recipe.
See the latest San Nizet
An exciting option is also to substitute the Rose Print that filters through the collection in either colour combination ... there is a choice of two ... and use it as a swing sleeve. See the Rose Print fabric throughout the
San Nizet's luxurious 100% Australian Merino Wool Jersey WRAPS/PASHMINAS and TOPS are ... Australian designed, locally manufactured and loved and proudly worn by women everywhere!

The selection of colours were stunning and lifts the look of any wardrobe, but the fabric also has excellent breathability. Not only does it keep you warm when needed but it releases heat and moisture when you are hot, so perfect for summer and winter wearing and ideal to pack for travelling because often, we want a versatile garment to adjust to a few climate changes in the short space of a trip away.


Catwalk shot by Paul Fletcher
A surreal moment before it all happens?
Sharing the limelight with my designer friends ... Felicity & Katie from Vinco Amor and Kathy from Rubyanna Road
Sharing the night with my buddy from Fashion Exposed ... Mel from Eva Lily
With my gorgeous model Katie ready to go!
I touched on this look in my
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