While we wait for the judges to reveal their picks for Flaunter Emerging 2019, we catch up with a few of last year’s promising designers to find out what they’ve been up to in the last 12 months.
Today we chat to Caroline Reznik, a Whitehouse Design graduate who delivered a minimalist and perfectly tailored collection during Flaunter Emerging 2018. Since then, Caroline has been tapped for the Witchery White Shirt Campaign and seen her work featured on the Vittoria keep cups at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. Due to release her first ready-to-wear collection in March 2020 – this talented lady is definitely one to watch!
Can you tell us about life after graduation? What have been some of the standout moments?
After graduating, you’ll hear a few things. ”The world is your oyster!” “Seize the day!” “These are the best years of your life!” The truth is that life will be full of its ups and downs, decisions that are both big and small and overwhelming at times, and the realisation that you have only yourself to rely on!
Standouts this year would be having the opportunity to collaborate with Vittoria Coffee x MBFW producing two of my hand illustrated designs for their Fashion Series Cups. As well as collaborating with Witchery for their White Shirt Campaign, producing my winning design across their stores.
Where are you currently working? What does your day-to-day look like?
I am currently working as a Dental Nurse – unexpected and unrelated, I know! However, outside of saving money as a dental nurse, I am hard at work creating my first ready-to-wear collection for release in 2020. Every day consists of something different. Both pattern making by hand and on CAD, digitising, grading, sample making, fittings, and endless liaising with experts and manufacturers in the industry.
What was your journey to becoming a designer like? Was there a designer or artist who inspired you to follow this career path yourself?
My journey wasn’t as straightforward as most. I was a Professional Classical Ballet dancer until the age of 21. My mother was a costume designer and I spent a lot of my spare time sewing and experimenting with clothes over the years that I danced. I would say that is where my inspiration grew, I could imagine a life of endless creativity and opportunity.
What’s the one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself on the first day of uni?
University will be the safest place to push your limits to the extreme, fall, fail and stand back up again.
What has been your proudest moment since graduation?
My collaborations would have to be my proudest moments. From Julie Bishop choosing to wear my winning Witchery White Shirt design, to seeing the general public sipping from my hand-illustrated Fashion Series Cups in partnership with Vittoria coffee.
What was your experience with the Flaunter Emerging Designer Showcase? What was the best thing you gained from it?
Flaunter provided a great sense of perspective as well as feedback from professionals in the industry. It gave stylists a point of contact to collaborate with me as well.
What are your plans for the future?
Purley working towards the launch of my collection, and a lot of hard work and perseverance.
Name your biggest inspiration in the industry…
Marine Serre. I fell in love with her stand for sustainable and ethical processors in the industry. And the heightened aesthetic for future-wear.
Favourite Instagram accounts that we should be following…
@Fash_rev @Marachok @Justinridler @BOF @Dietprada
What was the first garment you ever made?
Dresses for my dolls as a young girl.
Your brand in 3 words…
Tailored, Technical, Sustainable.
Find and follow Caroline and her work on Instagram @carolinereznik.
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