Set to represent Australian womenswear at the International Woolmark Prize final in New York today, Bianca Spender is a born contender.
The daughter of fashion maven Carla Zampatti, Spender developed her approach to design while living in France and Italy before returning to Australia to launch her label. Spender’s recent collections have been inspired by both ballet and the raw natural environment around her seaside home in Sydney. Her strength is in capturing structure and flow in garments.
Her capsule collection for the Woolmark Prize looks at the majesty and hardships of “our sunburnt country,” a land of drought and flooding rain and of almost intolerable beauty and cruelty. Her colour palette stays in earthy tones of ochres and sands for the six pieces, which will be judged by a panel of 14 judges including US designer Thakoon Panichgul, along with international retailers and fashion notables. Spender recently spoke to L’Officiel about her greatest pleasures and little pitfalls.
Gallery – Bianca Spender for Woolmark
My biggest phobia
No phobias to talk of but lots of crazy fears for example small talk with strangers.
My dream collaboration
With photographers Lee Miller or Sarah Moon – their work beguiles me.
Signature look
Movement.
Elegance is …
Dance – continuous, elongated and dreamy.
Women who inspire me the most
Those who have a terrifying life experience and turn it into something positive for example Malala Yousafzai and Rosie Batty – their determination and resilience is astounding.
The greatest invention of all time
Capturing sound—I could not live without music.
There is nothing more important than …
“Be yourself; everyone else is taken” Oscar Wilde.