As many of you would already know, Davroe is teaming up with some of Australia’s most influential fashion designers to help them showcase their designs on the world stage at New York Fashion Week.
We are doing this by styling the hair of all the models at Fashion Palette, the Australian contingent of over 20 leading designers promoting Australian fashion to the world.
Through this collaboration Davroe has created 5 special, Limited Edition Gift Packs. Each pack is in collaboration with one of the designers taking the stage at Fashion Palette and features a hand drawn illustration of one of their designs.
One of these designers is Stephanie Chehade; owner and namesake of her label, Stephanie Chehade. She’s an extremely talented, young, SA based designer who we had the pleasure of sitting down with to talk all things fashion.
At what age did you know that fashion was the career path you wanted to follow?
I’ve always been very creative and would love to draw and play dress ups with my clothes. However I think when I was around 16 years old, I started to seriously think about pursuing fashion as a career.
Who are the key influencers that you pull your inspiration from?
There are lots of designers that I admire for different reasons, however I do find Elie Saab’s attention to detail and beautiful fabrics very inspiring, as well as Zuhair Murad, Ralph & Russo, and Zimmermann.
I find Karl Lagerfeld’s creativity very inspiring; I just think he is very talented and his vision is next level, he has the Midas touch!
New York, the countdown is on! What’s happening in your studio at the moment?
There really is not long to go now! I have a lot happening but at the moment the main focus is finalising the garments in preparation for my look-book photo shoot in just over a week. I am very excited about this shoot and the industry people I will be working with!
Often small businesses are run on determination and passion, particularly at the beginning when trying to get things off the ground. In this time these business owners turn to their friends and family to help them thrive with their love and support. Stephanie is no exception; she made that clear when asked about the ways her family have supported her budding business over the years.
My mother aka Mum-ager has been my pillar of strength. She is really amazing and I don’t know if I would have come this far without her constant support. Even just the little things she does on a daily basis really help; she will regularly stay up until 2am just to keep me company while I am sewing, providing me with endless snacks (and advice) along the way.
My father has also been really amazing, his advice and perspective is really motivating, and he has really helped change my mind set in a positive way and encouraged me to reach for the stars.
I have 3 sisters, who are all very creative and I like to bounce ideas off of them, I go to different sisters for different reasons and it’s great to be able to do that.
Over half of my family will be travelling to New York for the show, which is very exciting. I feel so privileged that I am able to share this experience with them all!
You’ve mentioned in previous interviews that lace is one of your favourite fabrics to work with, what fabric would you like to work with next and why?
In this new collection, I have introduced some beaded fabrics, which is something new to me and I would like to explore that avenue because it has endless opportunities.
All mum’s love their children equally, but which is your favourite piece in your collection?
In this new collection, I actually don’t have a favourite, I am really happy with all the pieces.
In saying that, I am very excited to reveal the new Vest Dress.
The Vest Dress was a favourite from my previous collection so there was no doubt that I would introduce a new version of it for this collection. There has been a significant change in the design but it still is made with the same concept in mind, and I must say, it is really beautiful.
As you start to think about packing for New York, What are your top 5 travel essentials?
I am notorious for over packing! However my essentials are:
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A decent sized cross body bag, not too small but not too big
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Sunglasses
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Converse Shoes
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Comfortable pair of jeans
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Dermalogica Hydrating Booster Serum
The list could easily go on!
It was humbling to see how genuine Stephanie was face to face, her shy personality brought a level of realness to her that might not be expected from a namesake label. Stephanie has the refreshing view that it should be about the high quality of her creations; her quiet nature allows her designs to shine.
Stephanie is ready to showcase her designs to the fashion buyers and beauty editors from around the world that will be attending New York Fashion Week, we wish her the utmost success for her brand and look forward to being a part of her fashion journey!
You can find her designs at www.stephaniechehade.com.au
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to get your hands on one of our exclusive Limited Edition New York Fashion Week packs featuring Stephanie Chehade’s designs or one of our four other collaborative designs.
The packs go on sale 12am this Wednesday morning so keep an eye on our social media, you don’t want to miss out on these!
