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Interview with Artsu
Sydney based designer Nik Philpott launched his label Artsu during F.ROCK in 2005. It won him a six month mentorship with Fashion Assassins designer, Alex Zabotto-Bentley. Artsu also had their first solo show during fashion week this year and it has been said that Artsu will be the next big thing. Fashionising had a chat to Nik from Artsu about the future of their brand.
1. You were mentored by Alex Zabotto-Bentley of Fashion Assassin. What were the main things that he taught you about fashion, the fashion industry and how to reach people with your brand? How did you get the opportunity to have Alex mentor you?
I was awarded the mentorship with Alex after winning F.ROCK in 2005 - this is a fashion parade which is held on Sydney's Northern Beaches annually.
The Mentorship was great, Alix, Jenni and Hareth at Fashion Assassin were really helpful in guiding Artsu in presentation of a complete collection to buyers, how to target a particular market and who to approach to get the collection seen. He also shared his extensive knowledge of makers, fabric houses, media and industry contacts, and most importantly showing me what a collection needed to consist of to be taken seriously. Without the generosity of the mentorship, I don't think Artsu would still be going.
2. Where did your passion for fashion begin?
After six years as a screen printer, printing everything from golf balls to 8 colour zoo animal tshirts I had a real passion for printed garments. My background allows me the extensive experience to experiment with techniques no one else is doing or could even attempt, be it through lack of know how or lack of budget. I get a real buzz from creating an individual garment that feels great and looks great. Growing up I would always manipulate my clothes, to get them looking the way I liked them. People enjoy looking good, it gives them an extra level of confidence. I love to create clothes that I love to wear.
3. What steps were involved for the debut of your first solo show at fashion week? Can you give us a description of what occurred backstage prior to the show?
Artsu was invited to put a show together for the '07 fashion week. It was our first major show and a real eye opener. Its a whole new ball game when a collection goes onto the catwalk, it suddenly becomes performance of what you have created.
Artsu is now in its 5th complete season, we have spent the last 2 years building, getting the name out there, over that time we have gathered over 20 stockists nation wide. We are available online through Male Order Only and have been lucky in receiving a lot of favourable press.
It's been a lot of work, but without all the hours put in and food-less days and sleepless nights, Artsu would never have been able to present a show at such an event.
Backstage was pretty frantic, you have about 30 models, 20 hair and makeup artists, 30 dressers, photographers and media crews all in a space the size of a classroom. Once a model leaves the catwalk they have about 30 seconds to change into their next outfit. Things can get pretty heated, just before the model leaves for the catwalk I check them to make sure they look right, make any minor adjustments, make sure they're accessorised and send them out. Its all done on a really tight time frame so everyone needs to be on the ball. Then within 15 or so minutes its all over and I can relax.
Runway photos from Artsu's inaugural RAFW show.
4. How would you describe the style of Artsu?
Artsu is designed for the person who likes to feel individual and stylish. It's raw fashion that features a lot of unique print based garments. We concentrate a lot on the clothes fit, to make a person feel good. its sexy, raw and individual, with distinct punk flavour. Very comfortable and the highest quality. All garments are made in Australia.
5. What is your favourite piece in the latest collection and why?
My favourite piece in the 'when the world grew wings' collection would have to be the hooded jacket. It's made of a light Australian 100% cotton canvas, its a great fit and perfect for a summer night out. it has a military feel, without the weight of an army jacket and without the war has a hood so you can keep yourself hidden from the dwarf enemy. I can't wait for the selling season to end so I can pull it out of the sample range and start wearing it.
1. You were mentored by Alex Zabotto-Bentley of Fashion Assassin. What were the main things that he taught you about fashion, the fashion industry and how to reach people with your brand? How did you get the opportunity to have Alex mentor you?
I was awarded the mentorship with Alex after winning F.ROCK in 2005 - this is a fashion parade which is held on Sydney's Northern Beaches annually.
The Mentorship was great, Alix, Jenni and Hareth at Fashion Assassin were really helpful in guiding Artsu in presentation of a complete collection to buyers, how to target a particular market and who to approach to get the collection seen. He also shared his extensive knowledge of makers, fabric houses, media and industry contacts, and most importantly showing me what a collection needed to consist of to be taken seriously. Without the generosity of the mentorship, I don't think Artsu would still be going.
2. Where did your passion for fashion begin?
After six years as a screen printer, printing everything from golf balls to 8 colour zoo animal tshirts I had a real passion for printed garments. My background allows me the extensive experience to experiment with techniques no one else is doing or could even attempt, be it through lack of know how or lack of budget. I get a real buzz from creating an individual garment that feels great and looks great. Growing up I would always manipulate my clothes, to get them looking the way I liked them. People enjoy looking good, it gives them an extra level of confidence. I love to create clothes that I love to wear.
3. What steps were involved for the debut of your first solo show at fashion week? Can you give us a description of what occurred backstage prior to the show?
Artsu was invited to put a show together for the '07 fashion week. It was our first major show and a real eye opener. Its a whole new ball game when a collection goes onto the catwalk, it suddenly becomes performance of what you have created.
Artsu is now in its 5th complete season, we have spent the last 2 years building, getting the name out there, over that time we have gathered over 20 stockists nation wide. We are available online through Male Order Only and have been lucky in receiving a lot of favourable press.
It's been a lot of work, but without all the hours put in and food-less days and sleepless nights, Artsu would never have been able to present a show at such an event.
Backstage was pretty frantic, you have about 30 models, 20 hair and makeup artists, 30 dressers, photographers and media crews all in a space the size of a classroom. Once a model leaves the catwalk they have about 30 seconds to change into their next outfit. Things can get pretty heated, just before the model leaves for the catwalk I check them to make sure they look right, make any minor adjustments, make sure they're accessorised and send them out. Its all done on a really tight time frame so everyone needs to be on the ball. Then within 15 or so minutes its all over and I can relax.
Runway photos from Artsu's inaugural RAFW show.
4. How would you describe the style of Artsu?
Artsu is designed for the person who likes to feel individual and stylish. It's raw fashion that features a lot of unique print based garments. We concentrate a lot on the clothes fit, to make a person feel good. its sexy, raw and individual, with distinct punk flavour. Very comfortable and the highest quality. All garments are made in Australia.
5. What is your favourite piece in the latest collection and why?
My favourite piece in the 'when the world grew wings' collection would have to be the hooded jacket. It's made of a light Australian 100% cotton canvas, its a great fit and perfect for a summer night out. it has a military feel, without the weight of an army jacket and without the war has a hood so you can keep yourself hidden from the dwarf enemy. I can't wait for the selling season to end so I can pull it out of the sample range and start wearing it.
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