Designer DETAIL - Shakuhachi

Androgyny rules at Shakuhachi this Winter

Inspired by the Mod movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Shakuhachi’s A/W 07 collection is influenced by the unique work of the American fashion designer, Rudi Gernreich – resulting in playful tulip dresses, versatile tunic playsuits and an all new accessory collection.

Stumbling on success

Jessie White’s career as a fashion designer came by chance. “It was a means to an end, to keep traveling and not have to go home and get a real job. It was only after a while that I realised this could be something. It was really just a hobby and I would make dresses for my friends. I started by selling to friends’ shops and it just went from there.”

How did that name come about?

“Shakuhachi was carved on the roof of a beach hut on this surf beach in Bali... I was lying in the sun one day and it caught my eye. I read it over and over thinking to myself it had a cool, kinda cheeky sound to it and thinking it would be a good name for something...I later found out it did mean something VERY cheeky - it has a dual meaning in Japanese - one is the name of an ornate Japanese flute and the other is something else which I definitely wont disclose !!”

Styling up your winter

Drawing on Gernreich’s theory that “…all the truly great, classic shapes in women’s fashion originated in men’s clothes,” Jessie’s A/W collection is ruled by androgyny, where teddy boy shirting and cool tuxedo jacketing meet up with whimsical tulip dresses and tunic playsuits.

The colour palate is bold and crisp, with black, white, magenta, navy, iris and charcoal taking precedence. You will find Shakuhachi’s signature prints, with stripes and checkerboards, outlined hound’s-tooth, mosaics and foil diamond. Super soft knits are also embellished with the statement prints and delicious coil knit designs of angora wool.

The much loved denim line adds its quirky touch to the collection, with cropped jacketing, high waisted jeans and skirts in chunky stripes and checkerboards in a palette of bold black, charcoal, and indigo.

The "Total Look"

Autumn/Winter welcomes the introduction of the jewellery and sunglasses range, extending the already successful accessory line of handbags and footwear.

The Shakuhachi label has consistently inspired and maintained loyal followers comprised of girls and women wanting to dress independently in a stylish and modern way. Find stockists throughout Australia and on-line through www.mycatwalk.com.au and www.ozdesigner.com. Shakuhachi is also stocked in the US, London and New Zealand.