Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary fusion of medieval charm and futuristic allure in Amy Lawrance's latest fashion collection, 'Total Recall'. This independent Melbourne designer is making waves with her unique blend of sustainable slow-fashion couture, creating a captivating world where sci-fi meets medieval fantasy.
Lawrance, a 32-year-old RMIT fashion graduate, has already made her mark in the industry. Her journey began with an apprenticeship under the renowned Toni Maticevski, and in 2023, she launched her own label. This year, she was awarded Australia's prestigious National Designer Award, solidifying her place in the fashion world.
But here's where it gets controversial... Lawrance's new collection, 'Total Recall', is a subtle tribute to the 1990s sci-fi film of the same name. She crafts ethereal dresses with sweeping ankle-length hems, blending her signature 'Handmaid's Tale' silhouette with a sci-fi dream sequence. It's a unique blend of architectural precision and otherworldly charm.
Vogue USA took notice, writing about her runway show 'Pleats and Perforations' at Australian Fashion Week. The impact was immediate, with orders pouring in from New York. Her handmade couture is designed to slow you down, with visible seams, undyed silk fabrics, and a golden thread woven through her neutral palette. It's a unique take on fashion, with a heroine bound for Mars, yet trapped in a medieval state of mind.
Lawrance's journey began in Bendigo, where she was born and raised. At 18, she moved to Melbourne to pursue a diploma in fashion at the Kangan Institute. It was a challenging three years, perfecting the art of garment drawing and pattern-making.
"When I started, I was passionate about drawing design ideas, but the garment-making process was a struggle. By the end, I found my passion in the art of construction and production," she shares.
Her sewing room is a haven in her Kingsbury rental, with a custom-made pattern-making table, an industrial sewing machine, and undyed silk fabrics. It's here that she builds her fashion empire, teaching at RMIT one day a week.
The $20,000 prize money from the National Designer Award has been reinvested into her business. Lawrance applied on a whim, not expecting to win. "It was a leap of faith," she says.
Since then, she's showcased her collections in Paris and New York, and her business has flourished. "It's been a manic year, but in the most wonderful way. Things have certainly taken off," she adds.
'Total Recall' takes a neutral stance, with 24 garments created over an 18-month period. Lawrance stands by her belief that neutral palettes are here to stay. "I build on my previous collections, extending the narrative. Every piece has a story," she explains.
Each garment features hand-stitching, a skill she perfected during the pandemic. She loves working with undyed silks, appreciating the irregularities in texture. Her production process is sustainable, with minimal wastage and made-to-order garments.
Lawrance draws inspiration from 1950s sewing manuals and vintage drawings, and she's a sci-fi enthusiast. "I'm drawn to the aesthetics of sci-fi films like 'Metropolis' and 'Gattaca'," she says.
Paola di Trocchio, former NGV fashion curator, collaborates with Lawrance on her runway show. She appreciates Lawrance's fusion of opposites, saying, "Amy's designs have a futuristic edge with a medieval twist. Her clothes capture the essence of 'Total Recall', and her headpieces are reminiscent of 'The Handmaid's Tale'."
'Total Recall' will be showcased at Cecil Place Precinct, Prahran, on October 22, followed by a four-day public exhibition.
So, what do you think? Is this unique blend of medieval and sci-fi a fashion forward move or a step too far? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
