Designer DETAIL - jane&eleni

jane&eleni spark the rebellion of the good girl.

“My pet hate in life is monotony. Diversity and difference is beautiful,” says jane&eleni founder Jane Arifien. Her passionate views on life and fashion are evident in her collections which have wowed audiences at Australian Fashion Week and are about to take New York and London by storm.

Creating the Electric Zoo

Established during a trip to Barcelona, Jane was prompted to grab her design sketchbook after she was inspired by seeing some of the most creative and innovative fashion in the world walk by.

“After 8 years of working in the fashion industry with many people who wouldn’t see the colours of life if they had stained their crisp suit, I decided that I no longer want to work for other people,” says Jane. She set about creating the debut collection ‘Electric Zoo,’ a range based on mood contradictions and the electricity of colours that ignite a woman’s creative soul. The eclectic colour palate splashes over shapes from iconic decades to make today’s woman feel and look contagiously sexy.

Escaping the 9 to 5 grind

Jane’s career was about to take a different path, when, craving a little creativity, she moved into fashion design. “I actually studied Philosophy and Sociology at university and then decided to move into a more creative area. I picked up 2 certificates in Fashion Design then landed a position at Morrissey,” Jane says.

“I then moved to London and worked in the design studio at FCUK and was so inspired by the diversity and acceptance of individuality in Europe that I started to think of starting my own label. It just seemed like the perfect job for me as I am not a 9-5 person and can’t stay in a monotonous job. Fashion has to be the most varied role I’ve had!”

For younger designers trying to break into the business, Jane has a few words of advice. “If you want to get into fashion you need to first complete a course and see if it’s for you or even just get in there and start making your own clothes! If you love it then start off small, maybe markets and see how you grow.”

Your invitation to the Grease Ball

jane&eleni's new trans-seasonal range, Grease Ball, debuted at the 'New Generation' parade at the 07 Australian Fashion Week. Inspired by 1950's style, full figures and the rebellion of the good girl image, this range showcases a mix of full tulle skirts against skinny leg high-waisted leggings and vintage leather gloves.

Icons used for inspiration were Marylin Monroe and Sandy from Grease, who really represent the ultimate feminine package: power, beauty and attuitude. Jane loves “the 'Unzip me dress' and close second is the 'puff sleeve check blouse'”.

So what's next for Jane and her label? “This season we are taking our label to New York and London to expand our market. Next summer will go off with a bang, with inspiration derived from the romance and freedom of the bohemian woman. I am so excited about the range which is called ' My Chaotic Romance'. Watch out for it!”

For more information on jane&eleni, check out www.janeandeleni.com, or visit Frolic in Wollongong NSW, Whistles in SA, LADY in Armadale VIC, www.Beloved.net.au, Tuchuzy in Burwood NSW and Where the Fox Lives in Christchurch NZ.