Talking style with Sacha Drake

Q: Where it all began for you? What was your first role in the fashion industry and how did it come about?

SD: I was self-employed at 18 designing made-to-measure garments for people. That didn’t pay the bills and deterred me from working in the industry for a long time….but it eventually snuck back into my psyche and I started designing again as a grown up, self-employed at 31.

Q: In your opinion what is the worst ever fashion trend you’ve been exposed to?

SD: Hmmmm….after a long mental checklist I think the weird recent “street” trend of girls walking around in public with tops tucked into opaque tights. These ARE NOT PANTS – we can see your undies AND the support lines ladies is seriously WRONG. A close second is anything involving a muffin top.

Q: What are your favourite shops in Aus?

SD: Lethbridge Art Gallery in Paddington….for window shopping. Lavish and Abfab at Woolloongabba and Green Tangerine in Paddington are great for gifts. The Paddington Antiques Fair is amazing for the unexpected... and AVID READER, West End. Chelsea De Luca for jewels! We also stock many gorgeous boutiques that are lovely and too numerous to mention.

Q: Not everyone can afford a wardrobe full of designer labels. What advice would you give for someone on a budget?

SD: Only buy it because you love it. If you love it, it’ll make you feel good and you’ll find yourself wearing it often – therefore it will earn its keep. Clothes that give you confidence are the best….just be discerning about what suits you and listen to your inner voice.

Q: Which designers would you like to collaborate with/ have you liked collaborating with in the past?

SD: None! Perhaps I’m selfish but I just enjoy the creative process in private. I like the challenge of reaching into a deep murky well of creativity and pulling out new ideas. However, I do love working with my staff who help execute these ideas, they are amazing.

Q: How do stay up to date with trends, designers, fabrics and colours?

SD: I don’t bother! I just do my own thing. The more you look to others for inspiration, the more diluted your work becomes. However, you can’t help but live amongst the times and absorb what is going on. This keeps you current.

Q: What for you is exciting in the fashion world today?

SD: The fact that anything can be fashionable if you wear it with style. It’s very liberating. Digital printing is going to revolutionise the fabric industry but this is still in its infancy.

Q: Describe the typical SACHA DRAKE girl? How do you intend them to feel when wearing your clothing?

SD: The beauty of my brand is that there is no typical girl. I am constantly rewarded by the breadth of women that my clothes appeal to. In designing for these women, I constantly strive for all of them to feel like their BEST selves when wearing my clothes.

Q: What’s your favourite piece this season? Do you have an all time favourite piece you designed?

SD: This is hard to narrow down. Sometimes the best is the most simple. Sometimes it’s fantastical. My favourite garments are the ones that I have had to bend my brain to come up like perfectly fitting garments that have no seams….Pattern making challenges are Sacha Heaven! OR the ones that come in a flash and are perfect first time.

Q: What is your favourite men’s label?

SD: I am very partial to a good Herringbone Shirt for my nearest and dearest.

Q: What is something that people might not know about you?

SD: I speak Italian…but it’s usually in my sleep or swearing under my breath!

History

Crowned by many fans as the ‘Frock Queen’, Sacha Drake designed her first dress at the early age of 14 when, encouraged by her mother, she started sewing lessons with a 70-year-old tailoress.

Under her tutelage, Sacha learnt the foundations of made-to-measure pattern making, demonstrating immediate talent in this area. She continued her education by studying fashion in Brisbane, costume design in London and film making in Rome.

In 2002, after working in many countries and industries, Sacha Drake returned to her roots in Brisbane and started her own fashion label, SACHA DRAKE.

The label focuses on stylish, flattering dresses for the modern woman. The seasonal collections feature dresses and separates built around clean elegant lines that flatter all body shapes.

Since its inception the business has grown significantly and today Sacha employs a large team. Her trademark style of timeless frocks is stocked in over 150 boutiques throughout Australia and New Zealand. The complete range can be purchased from selected boutiques nationally, through the SACHA DRAKE Flagship Boutique in Paddington, Brisbane or via our online boutique at www.sachadrake.com