Love In Tokyo

Photography Credits Emily Jane Photography for All Ze Details

Fremantle thrives with many fashion creatives thoroughly showcased during Fremantle Fashion Collective, a runway boasting of local talent dedicated to the fashionably talented city of Fremantle that is just south of Perth. Just after the runway I caught up with designer Sheree Dornan of the label, Love In Tokyo. The collection encompassed draped fabrics, with subtle tones, that could easily be transitioned from season to season. Sheree shares the inspiration behind the collection, how she prepares prior to the runway, and what hot spots are must-sees in Perth.

What was the inspiration behind this collection?
This collection is the Boro[d] Collection. I've drawn this reference from the traditional Japanese Boro textiles technique of mending cloth with patches or scraps of fabric to further the life of a garment or household item.

The digital print design is derived from an image of layers of large panels of hand dyed silk organza that I've patched and stitched with over-dyed silk cloth pieces, patches of digital prints from previous collections and garment pieces. The end result of the print is quite different to the original panels with the distorted images and colors giving movement to the deign complimenting the draped form of the garments. I've constructed the garments from the digitally printed and hand dyed fabric and also over-dyed some of the garments.

How do you prepare for the runway?
I've done numerous runway shows over the past 11 years so it's always exciting but not as stressful as when I first showed on a runway. I do run on adrenaline on the day and the day after.

What woman wears Love in Tokyo? For the latest collection - what celeb do you see wearing your designs?
Definitely confident women who know what they like and are not particularly swayed by trends, wear my pieces. Women from the creative industries also form a large part of my client base. I design two labels - Love in Tokyo plain silk pieces, and my signature Sheree Dornan which is more bespoke and hand worked. Each piece is individually designed and constructed by me this is the label shown in the Fremantle Fashion Collective runway show. I have dressed a few celebrities including Alison Whyte and Dawn French wandered into Love in Tokyo while working in Australia and loved the store. All of our customers are celebrities in my eyes…although I would love to dress Cate Blanchett.

What jewelry do you see this collection being worn with?
I usually do my own jewelry collections to compliment my designs but because of time restraints this time I asked Stephanie Labrousse who designs beautiful La Boheme jewelry to supply jewelry for the runway and also Kelsey Kelsey Ashe who designs Ashe textile products for her stunning clutch purses. I think it all worked extremely well together.

What is the ideal travel spot you could see this collection being worn?
Anywhere exotic. Morocco, Paris, Prague

What inspired you to design? What inspires you before you design?
It's hard to define what inspires me. I have constant light bulb moments that can come from anywhere. I love taking photographs and often one of those images can be the catalyst for a print design. The garments are constructed by being draped on a mannequin so often are created, as I work.

How is Fremantle Fashion Collective beneficial for local designers?
It draws attention to the wealth of creative fashion talent located in Fremantle.

When tourists visit Perth -- what spots would you refer them to, to enjoy your city?
Fremantle is number one of course! Rottnest, Cottesloe Beach, Kings Park, niche areas with small bars, cafes and interesting retail strips - we have it all here in Perth!

What is currently on your playlist?
Ministry of Sound, St Germaine

What was the inspiration behind the color pallet and pattern on the latest collection (as seen on the FFC runway) I love colors that are a little bit muted, and dulled - rather strong, bold colors. By overdying fabric I can achieve subtle variations of each color. Shades of teal, rust, moss and chartreuse are some favorites. I only produce very limited quanities of each print design and often overdue smaller lengths of these so each garment is very unique.

You can visit Love in Tokyo at 
61-61 High Street 
Fremantle WA 6160 
loveintokyo.com.au 

View the entire runway from Fremantle Fashion Collective here on All Ze Details.
Interview & fashion editorial conducted by Haili Pue, All Ze Details.