30 Comments Add your own

• 1. Bella  |  August 25th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

  Hi Kelly, out of curiosity do you wear your own designs? also, what musthaves do you reckon for us ladies this spring/summer? am so sick of winter! B

• 2. mecho team  |  August 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

  mecho is heading to Japan for a visit soon! having lived and worked there - any good tips of where to go, what to see and where to best snap up the essence and style of Japan?

• 3. xoxo  |  August 29th, 2008 at 7:13 pm

  hi kelly, u mentioned gettin your break though australian fashion week - how do one get involved?

• 4. kellylove  |  August 29th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

  Hi Bella,

  Lucky you! I am living in London at the moment so am heading for winter!!

  I do wear my own designs and friends often borrow samples from my collection for various events – it’s great free publicity!
  Dresses are still very in for spring/summer– maxi and mini. Also mini dresses with long sleeves in sheer fabric. The baggier jeans are also coming in but I am still loving the skinny, especially high waisted. High waisted anything actually – including shorts!! The season is still very pretty with a lot of lace and ruffles and I am also loving ankle socks. Get yourself some knits as well – independent designers are coming out with some really fine knits that fall like silks which look beautiful on the body and they are as cool as cotton so still good for spring. Floral and tribal prints will also be quite big!

• 5. kellylove  |  August 29th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

  Hi,
  I was in the New Generation Show for Australian Fashion Week which is great as it lets new designers really get their brand out there! You basically have to send photos through and they will be judged by a selection panel. You will then be required to meet with the panel. They usually choose about 4 designers to be in this show. You then pay a fee which covers models, hair, make-up and everything else involved. Then the fun starts of borrowing shoes and accessories, casting models and styling your collection. If you would like to get involved, just go onto the AFW website and click on the link for New Generation. Good Luck!

• 6. kellylove  |  August 29th, 2008 at 11:04 pm

  The best place to go for fashion snaps has to be the obvious one - Harajuku Tokyo!! Even if you have seen photos, seeing the real thing is amazing! I lived in Osaka so a great place to go there is American Mura or Shin Sai Bashi– the shops, people and landmarks are out of the ordinary to say the least! You could also go to Kyoto which is near Osaka and is a little more traditionally Japanese. Make sure you have time for a couple of karaoke sessions and a martini at Chinco Chento – a very tiny quirky bar with 100 different types!!

• 7. mecho team  |  September 1st, 2008 at 10:11 pm

  Thanks for the Japan tips, Kelly! mecho will definately post some snaps up in Oct/Nov - stay tuned everyone

• 8. Nico  |  September 2nd, 2008 at 11:10 am

  Hi Kelly,

  Where did you learn to design and how do you promote your stuff?

  Nico

• 9. kellylove  |  September 2nd, 2008 at 10:34 pm

  Hi Nico,

  I have always loved designing clothes so first studied textiles and design at school and then continued to do so in my free time. I also studied at KVB in Sydney (now known as Raffles) when I returned from living in Japan and working for a fashion designer.

  I promote my clothes by blogging for websites such as Mecho and also sell and advertise on www.catwalkgenius.com which is a UK website. I have been in Australian Fashion Week and many other smaller shows and have had my clothes used for photos shoots in magazines including Oyster Magazine, Cosmo, Fashion Journal and 3D World. My label was picked as a finalist for the Melbourne Cup Fashion Design Awards a couple of years in a row and I have my own website www.kellylove.com.au which is not quite finished but still promotes my label!!

• 10. LondonCat  |  September 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 pm

  Hi Kelly,
  I love your designs! As a budding designer myself, I was just wondering what you have found to be the hardest thing about working in the fashion industry?
  Also who are your current style icons?

• 11. kellylove  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 am

  Hi LondonCat,

  Thanks so much – I am glad you like my work!!

  The hardest thing about working in design when you start stocking in boutiques is finding unique fabric which is why I would like to start designing my own at some stage. It’s also really long hours when you work for yourself and you often have the have a full time job to support yourself until the money starts rolling in:)

  I have so many style icons!! I love how Edie Sedgwick and Marianne Faithful used to style themselves and I also love Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sienna Miller and the French actress, Marion Cotillard always looks beautiful!

  Good luck with your designs!

• 12. Nicola Woollard  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 8:33 am

  Hi Kelly,
  I was a huge fan of your designs in Australia, and was devastated to hear that you were moving overseas. Just wondering how you’re enjoying London? Are you still designing for us Aussie girls, or is it all warm and woolly designs for those Londoners now?

• 13. Reso  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm

  Hi Kelly - I saw you at Fashion Week in Sydney and love your designs. Do you have some new stuff coming up for next season??

• 14. Sarah Jane  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm

  Hi Kelly, I am a young, up and coming designer do you have any tips on how I can really break into the industry. Your designs are fabulous and I really admire your work. Any help or advice is appreciated.

  Thanks Sarah Jane

• 15. Fleur  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 6:35 pm

  Hi Kelly,

  How do you feel about those “prom” dresses I seem to be seeing in all the London shops at the moment? Is it just me or should the 80s be left in the 80s?

• 16. kellylove  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm

  Hi Nicola,

  I’m glad you love my designs – thanks!

  You are still able to purchase anything from www.catwalkgenius.com and directly through me at kellybelindalove@hotmail.com

  At the moment I am designing a new range for next spring/summer in the UK as we work so far ahead. As the fashions is often similar in the UK and Australia I will able to ship these styles back to Australia to be stocked in various boutiques!!

  Unfortunately I wasn’t able to design a winter collection with the move overseas!! After the break through I am really looking forward to getting more out there and hopefully participating in London Fashion Week next year!!

• 17. kellylove  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 9:45 pm

  Thanks Reso!

  I am designing for UK spring summer so that will come out at the start of next year!! I will have a blog coming out on my website to keep everyone updated so this will keep you posted!!

• 18. Felicity  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 9:48 pm

  I love your designs Kelly!
  Where can I get them in London?????

• 19. kellylove  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 pm

  Hi Sarah Jane,

  First of all I think you have to have a real passion for the industry as it is so competitive and a lot of hard work! If you have this (which I am sure you do) the next step is to get some work experience in the area you would like to work in. Most labels and magazines are happy to take on enthusiastic people who are just starting out. If you wanted to do something a little more fast paced try working as a dresser at Fashion Week – you will meet loads of interesting people by doing this. Look up www.afw.com.au or www.londonfashionweek.co.uk.

  It is also worth while doing a course in the area that you would like to be in whether it’s Design, Pattern Making, Illustration or Styling. It’s great to have experience in all of these areas however as they always cross over. Try courses at East Sydney College or KVB if you are in Sydney and St Martins College or London College of Fashion if you are in London. It’s great to have a reputable college on your resume when applying for work experience!!

  Good Luck!

• 20. kellylove  |  September 3rd, 2008 at 10:07 pm

  Hi Fleur,

  I am a huge fan of the prom dress when it is done in the 1950’s style rather than the 80’s. It is a little more demure and classic.
  I do however think most prom dress cuts are quite flattering – especially if you prefer your top half to your bottom half (which most of us girls do!!)

  I do think there is a little bit too much 80’s out there!! I am much more of a fan of the 1920’-1970’s!! After that is went a little bit more wild!!

  Try checking out Berwick Street just off Regent Street for great boutiques and not TOO much 80’s!!

  Happy Shopping!!!

• 21. Belinda  |  September 5th, 2008 at 6:24 pm

  Hi Kelly,

  I want to invest in some good quality classic clothes as a basis for my wardrobe. I am looking for classic styles that will last a good few years (at least), that can be matched with current trends each season.

  What key pieces do you recommend, and what brands/places are good to buy in Australia, Paris or London?

  P.S. I LOVE your work

• 22. kellylove  |  September 5th, 2008 at 7:13 pm

  Hi Belinda,

  You can never go wrong with black pants, skinny jeans, a white buttons up shirt and brown boots! These 4 items can be worn with anything! At the moment leather is really big for this season!! Before you think that it will never suit you there are so many soft leathers in different styles and colors coming out that there is something for everyone. I also think really good quality jersey and knits are always winners and can last forever. Some on trend piece that will last are high waisted pencil skirts, basic color stripes and printed scarves.

  Some brands that I am loving this season are American Retro, Looking Glass, Arrogant Cat, Tofu, Ella Moss, Romance was born, Arabella Ramsey and Life with Bird. Most of these labels are sold in Australia, Paris and London so get shopping where ever you may be!

  I’m glad you love my clothes!! Keep a look out on my website for updates of my next line!

• 23. Sodie Juv  |  September 10th, 2008 at 3:17 am

  Hi Kelly, I really love your designs. Do you know when your new collection will be released? I am really looking forward to checking it out! Also, what fashion tips do you have going into the European winter?

• 24. sasha  |  September 11th, 2008 at 8:29 pm

  Hi Kelly, what made you go to London and how do you find the market there compared to other countries you’ve worked in? Sx

• 25. kellylove  |  September 12th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

  Hi Sodie,

  I’m glad you like my label My new collection will be released sometime in 2009!!

  There are some great trends coming in for Autumn/Winter 2009. Plaid is this seasons hottest print! Whether it’s in bags, jackets or shirts – it’s going to be everywhere! Black is also very in again this winter however on the other end of the spectrum you will see eye popping bold colors!! Mix these two palettes and you will be right on trend. You will also see the hems get a little longer and the fabric a little softer with a lot of embellished chiffons. The folk look is also very on trend and will be for a while.

  I am off to fashion week next week so will let you know an update!!

• 26. kellylove  |  September 12th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

  Hi Sasha,

  One of the main reasons I came to London is because the fashion industry is so huge here!! London oozes artistic talent and places, both of which are great for inspiration! Add the fact that you can travel to Europe in a mere moment and it’s a great place to be if you are in a creative industry!

  The market for me is really different as I worked in quite a small boutique market at home and now work for the online fashion market. Both have been amazing experiences! Overall though apart from the fact that the London market is bigger there isn’t a huge difference between working in Sydney or London. We share such a similar culture.

  Online shopping over here is huge – I know so many girls who don’t even enter shops anymore as it’s so convenient and you can do it from work or home. But call me old fashioned, I still love a great boutique with on offs and believe it or not, I do think there are more little kitch boutiques in Australia that that sell independent labels than in London!!

  Thanks for your comment and good luck is you are thinking of making the move over here!

• 27. Sasha  |  September 14th, 2008 at 10:56 pm

  Everything about you is so inspirational, Kelly! Am itching to take off to greener pastures soon. Australia is a bit slow in many aspects but am proud of all aussie designers like yourself keep making mark here as well as overseas.

  Hopefully online shopping takes off here too even though I agree with you that there is nothing like the real thing. Internet is a great way to get hold of products from all around the world. Love having discovered this site also and reading your blog! Sx

• 28. chrismukkah  |  September 17th, 2008 at 8:48 am

  Hi there Kelly,
  I’ve admired your beautiful designs for a long time now. I was actually in the crowd the night you launched your label at FROCK in Sydney. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to say hello. You have obviously done very well for yourself. My girlfriend and her girlfriends love your designs. So very often one dress can look just like the one before it, but when I see my girlfriend wearing something that’s a little bit special, and a little bit different, I know that it must be one of yours.

  Do you think you will ever venture into the male market?

  Ps I hope you enjoy your time in London. Stay warm.

  Chrismukkah

• 29. kellylove  |  September 18th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

  Hi Chrismukkah,

  Wow you were at the FROCK launch – that seems like such a long time ago now – that was a great little stepping stone for me.

  I’m glad you like my designs – thanks so much! Hopefully they make your girlfriend feel special when she’s wearing them!! As a designer, this is really what I aim for.

  At the moment I am starting my next collection but unfortunately it won’t include menswear – never say never though! I’m sure my boyfriend would love it is I did for all the free sample. I do have the perfect muse in him too as he is one of a kind and very stylish.

  Thanks for taking the time to email me!!

• 30. mecho team  |  September 20th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

  Hope you have survived all the parties during London Fashion Week, Kelly! Heard rumours that London was suffering in the shadow of the recent New York Fashion week - true or false?

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