Like the delicate Shakuhachi flute, which looks like a very simply constructed bamboo instrument, but is painstakingly difficult to learn to play, Jessie White’s clothing label of the same name is also deceptively intricate.
Having eschewed formal fashion training, her career as a designer was born 8 years ago out of a strong desire to create necessity and instinct.
Her designs have since taken off across Australia and Japan, and the current autumn/winter collection is no exception to her winning design approach.
We chat with Jessie White about her current seasons wears and what we should be wearing.
Must have items this season?
Very hard to pick just a few items… I love the Tutu dress, denim jacket dress, liquid sky a line tee dress, beaded skirt, panelled leggings, asymmetrical ruffle dress in polka!
What are the biggest trends for autumn/winter 2009?
For AW09 I have applied a subtle sprinkling of the eighties and balanced it out with a modern approach, where subtlety and detail speak louder than anything else.
I’ve been really exploring the depths of menswear tailoring, and applying them in unique ways to still create feminine looking garments.
I’ve also been exploring the parameters of denim, offering some more high end detailed renditions of denim, and very treated achieving to fit into a more niche market.
This season prints are subtle, not overpowering, so the hero is more the detailing and are complemented here and there by a textured pattern. A more sophisticated approach.
How would you describe your AW09 collection?
A playful contrast of the masculine and feminine.
What’s exciting you at the moment, fashion-wise?
A refined eighties look with a modern clean lines, a fresh, simple confident way of dressing.
Who’s the typical Shakuhachi girl?
A little bit tough girl, who isn’t afraid to express herself, yet is also fun, playful and flirtatious!
Shakuhachi is available in store now at Soho & Momento Dezigns.
