Interview with Australian Fashion Designer Daniel Avakian
Daniel Avakian is one of Australia’s most up-and-coming designers who everyone is currently talking about at the moment. You may have seen his designs on television already with The Voice Australia winner, Anja Nissen wearing a luxurious sequin dress during the grand finale. SHESAID had a chat to Daniel about his inspirations, what’s next for spring/summer and his most memorable red carpet experience thus far.
What inspires you the most when designing?
The most exciting part is watching the translation of my ideas into finished garments for the collection. My design handwriting is driving styles that make a women feel beautiful and confident with an edge. I aim to focus on pieces that have structure because I find that they capture this aesthetic and i am always considering fresh silhouettes and shapes to compliment this.
Is there a particular process you go through when putting together a new collection?
Pre-collection I usually spend weeks absorbed by my influences – music, social media gazing, gallery visits and my life travels are all thrown into a sort of creative soup in my mind. When I feel like the time is right I turn on my favourite Fleetwood Mac album and start sketching my ideas onto paper. A collection usually takes about a day or two to get the designs just right.
If a woman can only purchase one product from your collection, what would it be and why?
DA leather leggings are a key staple in this seasons collection. We spent a lot of time perfecting the fit and quality to make them a signature piece.
Could you share some of your most memorable red carpet experiences.
The most memorable was seeing Sneaky Sound System front woman Connie Mitchell rock my ‘Lollypop’ dress at the 2007 Aria Awards. I still remember sitting at the table sipping a glass of orange juice watching Connie rock that dress. The DA brand had debuted at Australian Fashion Week several weeks before.
You have dressed the likes of Delta Goodrem, Laura Dundovic and The Voice AU winner, Anja Nissen just to name a few. Who is the next person you would love to see in one of your designs, and what would it be?
I am absolutely delighted to see my designs worn by the likes of Delta, Laura, Anja and others since the re-launch of DA this year. It would be equally as exciting to see DA worn by Diane Kruger or Jennifer Lawrence on the red carpet at the Oscars one day.
Could you share a sneak peek of spring/summer for Daniel Avakian the label?
The aim of the latest Daniel Avakian SS 2014-15 collection was to give the DA woman her identity. The name of the collection is ‘Origins’. The DA woman is cool, sexy, sophisticated and powerful. Upon completing the collection I worked closely with stylist David Bonney who’s creative direction for the shoot complimented photographer Harold David. The result successfully captures the fingerprint of the DA woman.
Image via Ninemsn
