Sandra
Soulos
She's a local Australian TVSN favourite and a true veteran of the trade. Sandra Soulos invites us into her creative world to share her inspiration, motivation, and passion for design.
What prompted your foray into the fashion industry?
I knew from an early age that I wanted to design clothes. I would fill books and books with my designs, and by the age of 10, I took myself off to the CBD, armed with my catalogues and an over-abundance of confidence, to sell my designs to every store I passed! I was a tiny little girl. John Hemmes, who headed the Merivale empire in those days, kindly told me he would buy the yellow cold-shoulder dress and the bell-bottom pantsuit if I could produce samples, which of course I couldn’t, but I was on top of the world! I think I can safely claim the creation of the cold-shoulder as my own, and certainly more recently the double-dress!
How would you describe your creative process?
My inspiration varies. I can be inspired by noticing someone stylishly dressed and build an entire story from that, or it may be a particular fabric or trend. I sketch everything.
How would you describe your designs?
I design for real women and always aim for a figure-flattering cut.
What makes your brand different?
I think I have developed my handwriting, which can be described as modern classic. As my designs are often born as I draw, many can be considered unique.
Could you describe the construction of a selected style/piece?
Before a final sample is produced, I will work with a pattern, holding it against the body to consider the shape of an armhole, for instance, or perhaps quickly have a toile made for fitting beforehand. The pattern will be adjusted until I am satisfied with the fit. I then give the machinist a detailed specification sheet with assembly measurements and instructions to follow.
This Fashion Week at TVSN is all about ‘Powerhouse Prints’, how do you go about choosing/ designing your prints?
Fabric companies always show me the latest fabrics, and sometimes I will order fabric exclusively from overseas. We choose to make everything in Australia, but with so much manufacturing moving off-shore, this can be challenging.
Do you have any favourite materials/colours/ prints to work with?
Jersey is an all-time favourite because of its drape and the wonderful prints I can find. I also love linen & cotton.
What is involved with the creation of a design?
I spend many hours drawing pages of designs, and I keep all of them. I file them away, but often return to a shape with a fresh idea. Draping fabric on a mannequin is also an important process.
What is your favourite fashion garment/ accessories/ article and why?
I love simple, well-cut clothes, and my favourite accessory is a bold resin Dinosaur ring. I have them in lots of different colours.
What can TVSN customers look forward to for the launch of Spring/Summer?
Moving into high summer, our customers can look forward to more relaxed pieces and resort styling in exciting new prints and colours made exclusively for TVSN.
