Designer Alice McCall. Image supplied.
Designer Alice McCall celebrated 15 years of her beloved eponymous womenswear brand at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2019, which is where she first debuted her label back in 2004. Alice is well known for her signature playful style which mixes romantic ideals, vintage nostalgia and party girl vibes into looks her customers can’t get enough of. Her fun playsuits, sweet mini-dresses and winsome gowns are always covetable and its no surprise that Alice McCall has many fans here in New Zealand.
We caught up with Alice to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your SS19: Dance me to the end of love collection?
There’s glittered mesh, printed silk and some relaxed tailoring. There’s romance, delicate Chantilly lace teatime gowns, English garden florals, picnic-ready pink ginghams, and chenille pieces inspired by a vintage find in a Parisian brocante. It’s a celebration of spring with lots of colour, rich chartreuse and violet crochet styles, and our signature patchworked denim mini dresses, playsuits and more in bold seasonal colourways. A lot of pieces that can be quite sophisticated or youthful, depending on how you style them back.
What made you become a designer?
My mother was a designer, so it’s in my blood. My love of fashion began as a little girl, watching my mother in her sewing room as she made clothes for my dolls. I would stare in awe as she laboriously crafted miniature pieces in the most beautiful prints.
Looks from Alice McCall’s SS19: Dance me to the end of love collection.
What inspires you?
For me, I’ve always focused on occasion wear and designing clothing that women can celebrate in. I’ve never been one to follow trends, but to have more of an emotive design experience where I’m inspired by vintage and travels rather than looking at what else going on in the marketplace.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
60s, 70s and vintage, which I reference often throughout my collections.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
An Ossie Clark pirate blouse from the 60s.
Looks from Alice McCall’s SS19: Dance me to the end of love collection.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Designer accessories – Gucci heels, Prada eyewear etc. – to complete a look.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I prefer to focus on the present moment and where I’m at now. The journey is full of ups and downs, and they equip you with knowledge and experience, but I feel proud of achieving this longevity in such a competitive industry.
What can’t you live without?
My girls – Hopi & Wilde.
You would never catch me wearing…
Crocs.
Images supplied.