Looks from Carlson’s winter 2016 ‘Almost Famous’ collection.
Near the end of Cameron Crowe’s brilliant film Almost Famous (2000) teenage music journalist, William Miller, begins his last interview with Stillwater’s ‘guitarist with mystique’ Russell Hammond, by asking “So Russell… what do you love about music?” The shaggy-haired guitarist takes a pause and re-arranges his chair before leaning into the microphone with a slow grin declaring “To begin with… everything.” It’s a poignant moment and reflects the unabashed love and enjoyment of rock ‘n’ roll music that runs through the film, so it’s apt that designer Tanya Carlson chose Almost Famous as the inspiration for her winter 2016 collection, given Carlson’s own deep affection and adoration of fashion.
Taking her cue from the heady days of the early seventies in which the film is set, Carlson has created a range that reflects the bohemian style and flower child sensibility of the time, while adding a modern sophistication and making it relevant for her customers. Luscious velvet and delicate floral silk works just as beautifully in 2016 as it did in 1973, and it’s not hard to imagine the film’s charming “Band-Aids” Penny Lane, Polexia and Sapphire, swanning around in Carlson’s winsome dresses and flatteringly-cut denim.
As with all Carlson’s collections, these pieces reflect a true craftsmanship and attention to detail, the garments are cut perfectly so they flow and move with the wearer while being darted in the right places to make each piece sit well and create a sublime silhouette. The seventies influence is seen in bell sleeves, keyhole details and flared trousers that still feel of the moment because of the current trend towards the seventies that has been seen on the global runways for the past few seasons.
To showcase her winsome new collection, Carlson put together a stellar creative team for her look book led by talented photographer Fiona Pardington. Styling by Sarah Stuart, hair by Bronwyn Illingworth and makeup by Abby Black helped transform model Nic from Unique Model Management into a bouncy-haired seventies babe for the shoot. A lush garden provided the perfect backdrop for the floral-themed looks and made for truly glorious images which are the most stunning fashion photos we’ve seen this year.
Fashion, like music, and any other creative industry has an ability to tell stories and evoke emotion in the viewer or wearer which helps us connect with it and desire it. Carlson has succeeded in creating that connection with this collection, making us want to be her free-spirited heroine who is every bit as enigmatic as Almost Famous‘ leading lady, Penny Lane. We can easily hear the refrain of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” playing when we look at this collection and we’re more than happy to sing along too.
Images by Fiona Pardington for Carlson.