If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen the first photo in this post last week whilst I was playing around with some pretty A Murder of Crows, spring dresses. These beautiful garments are the work of Australian Designer Larissa Holland, who launched A Murder of Crows in 2011. Her new collection “The Garden Party” is a feminine and colourful mix of 1950’s inspired cotton dresses in a variety of bright prints, just in time for the warmer weather. I was lucky to meet Larissa through one of my friends, Beth, who whilst shopping at Design-a-Space was so impressed by Larissa’s designs that she contacted and commissioned her to design and make bridesmaid dresses for her November wedding. And I am so glad she did, Larissa is one beautiful, lively and talented young lady and I can’t wait to spend my summer in some of her beautiful dresses. She was also kind enough to sit down and answer some questions for the blog. Make sure you visit the website to see some of her other designs, and like the page on Facebook for all A Murder of Crows updates!
How did A Murder of Crows come about?
I have always been a massive art geek, spending a lot of time painting and drawing, until I finally found fashion. For me, fashion was the ultimate form of expression, designing and creating wearable art. After years of studying fashion design and all things sewing, I realised that I had two options; work for someone else or work solo. I had so many ideas and visions floating around in my head that I knew would not work in the “real fashion world”. So, I summoned all of my courage and A Murder Of Crows was born! The name originated from the flock (or murder) of crows that invaded the bush land around my house. They are naughty, savage and destructive but are by far the most intriguing, intelligent birds I have laid my eyes on!
Can you tell us about the inspiration for your new collection?
My new collection “The Garden Party” is inspired by warm summer nights coupled with 1950’s glamour. When I think back to all the wonderful spring days and hot summers that I spent out in the sun, I wanted design something that would recreate those moments. I chose the 1950’s style as it is forever classic and flattering for the wearer. For me, the fabric selection was very important as it can make or break a collection. So after many days of research I chose very bold, flirty fabrics with a versatile colour palette that will suit almost everybody!
What inspires your design and creative decisions?
It is very hard to pinpoint exactly what inspires me, I take inspiration from everything; people I see on the street, magazines (old and new), celebrities, and Pinterest just to name a few! Personally, I gravitate towards anything that is out of the ordinary; bright, embellished or floral, so I don’t tend to follow trends or fast fashion when designing, I believe in offering an investment to my customer base, and who doesn’t want something they can wear for the next few years?
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is all over the place. I collect various items of clothing from pretty floral dresses to spiked stiletto heels and dress to my mood! If something really stands out to me, I will never let it go!
What do you think are 5 absolute essentials in a woman’s wardrobe?
The five absolute essentials in a woman’s wardrobe would be: a great pair of jeans, a pair of versatile heels, good underwear, statement earrings and a piece from A Murder Of Crows of course!
Who are some of the people who inspire you and why?
There is a very long list of people who inspire me. Life tends to throw a bunch of intriguing people my way and I have been extremely lucky to have been able to cross paths with many of them. I would say that I find success to be inspiring, whether it is business, happiness, family or relationships. I am always a sucker for an under dog story and meeting people who have fought and clawed their way to success is always a motivation. I have always believed that everyone around me has a little something I can aspire to have or be.
If you could design a dress for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It would definitely be Lady Gaga! It isn’t often that you get to flex your creative muscles in such a dramatic way and it would be amazing to have absolutely no boundaries!
What is next for the label? Where do you see the brand going in the future?
. Right now it feels like the sky is the limit for my label! Within the next few years I would hope to be stocked in many more stores, online and other. Expanding my label is definitely on the to do list, more sizes, styles and fabrics of course! I am surrounded by many talented individuals and I am aiming for fabric design collaborations to bring unique to a whole new level! For now, I intend on building a solid fan base through good quality, unique pieces that will last for many seasons to come!
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start his or her own business in fashion?
Where do I start? Firstly, I would say that you need to be 110% dedicated to your fashion career, entering the fashion industry that is already jam-packed full of established labels and competitors can be extremely challenging and disheartening at the same time! Late nights and early mornings will become a normality and you may have to kiss your social life goodbye for a long while! However, it is the best feeling when all the hard work starts to pay off and you can see the rewards, so take the good with the bad and stick with it!