Designer DETAIL

The new look Bracewell is set to keep you warm and looking wonderful this winter

Michael Bracewell is a brave man - it takes a lot of character and talent to start a fledgling business out of a unit in Darlinghurst, with two friends, two sewing machines and $1500!

The year was 1980, and Michael was selling his wares out of the Paddington markets. Nine years later, Michael opened his first store on Oxford St in Paddington, stocking delicious women's clothing and desirable high-end imports. Michael also stocked a successful men's range for five years, until a market shift prompted Michael to refocus on the women's line.

Now one of Australia's leading fashion brands, the Bracewell label specialises in great quality basics and individual designs for the fashion conscious female. The label's signature eclectic mix includes an extensive range of printed dresses, feminine blouses, tailored jackets and pants, and super-comfortable essentials.

New faces, new look

Next on the Bracewell's hectic agenda for world domination is the appointment of a brand new head designer, Kerryn Langer. Launching with an inspiring Autumn/Winter 2007 Collection, Langer is set to take Bracewell to a new level of sophistication, with an emphasis on a more feminine silhouette and enhanced detailing.

Expanding on Bracewell's basics that we all know and love, Langer will introduce a more extensive range of fabrics, textures, and styles. "I think that Bracewell has really mastered some great basic wardrobe staples," says Kerryn. "I hope to build on the classics that the brand is known for, ultimately increasing the appeal to a wider fashion savvy market."

Bracing the Cold

This winter, look forward to shapes varying from waisted shirts, skirts and pants, to empire line dresses. The basics have more length in the body, giving the customer the option of belting, while piping and internal boning adds structure and shape to the silhouette.

There is a strong '50's influence in many of the halter neck dresses and large pocketed skirts, while bold block colours and simple shift dress shapes show characteristics of the '60's mod squad era. Also highlighted this winter is Langer's use of checked fabrics. In different colour combinations including black, red, grey, cream, and yellow, small check and large, Langer has contrasted a number textures and patterns with soft slippery silk.

"I religiously attend weekend markets for the perfect vintage find," says Kerryn, "Fabrics and their unique blend of patterns, prints and textures often inspire me. I combine colours and textures to create an eclectic mix that has become my signature style."

Find Bracwell at…

The Bracewell Autumn/Winter 2007 Collection is available in store from February 2007.

Bracewell has six stores around Australia including, (NSW) Paddington, Bondi Junction, Chatswood, Market City, (VIC) Melbourne, Chadstone, and is also available from leading independent retailers. For stockists' details, call (02) 9212 4166.