Whimsicality by Erin Vanhaeften

Posted by on Jul 21, 2009 in 2009, Graduate shows, Graduates

Meet Erin Vanhaeften, the natural dye and eco friendly fashion extraordinaire. After getting contacted by Zoe, Erin wasn’t afraid to talk to me about her passion for natural colours and her love for fashion. Don’t get her wrong. Erin didn’t come across as a ‘go-getter’ in any way. Somewhat reserved and quite soft spoken, I think that is her charm. Quiet but resolved. Did I get that wrong, Erin? Hope not. :)

Erin_Whimsicality_studio

It is a lot of fun dressing designers up with their garments remembering that some designs are made to fit certain size models. Not all models are skinny as we know but it still is a daunting task fitting through couture dresses sometimes. Fortunately, Erin’s couture dress wasn’t a big deal for her to fit through. Good stuff. Copper wired and dyed with mixed berries and logwood, the dress is quite covettable. Erin talked about expanding that concept – maybe not with wire but with embroidery for bodice – for her ready to wear collection for her SWAN TAFE (West Australian Institute of Fashion and Textile) graduation show. Ah yes, Erin is one of 2009 graduates.

Guess what she used to dye jacket’s fabric – good ol’ tea. How about the yellow dress? Turmeric. Clever, don’t you think?

Erin_Whimsicality_couture

Studying fashion doesn’t automatically turn people into fashion designers. In most cases, it is just a part of life’s journey we take to get to places or to do different things. It may well be the case with Erin not because she isn’t interested in fashion or she is less talented than others. It’s more to do with the fact that she might have found something that she is more passionate about. Could you guess?

Erin_Whimsicality_RTW

No matter what she decides to do I have a feeling that she will do well. Well, just the fact that she wasn’t freaked out about contacting a total stranger to talk about herself and her love for things. That to me means a lot of courage. Added to that I like her style. So here we have another entry to the ‘Creative Spaces’.

I know that I’ll get to see her graduate collection designs before the show – AKA sneak peek – she will probably call me. Wouldn’t you Erin?

Until next time, Ciao.

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2 Comments

  1. Delectable Swank
    July 21, 2009

    This is great, I love to read about new young designers. It's always nice to see people who truly have a passion for what they do! I also love that yellow dress!

  2. WendyB
    July 21, 2009

    Love that little jacket.