Mercedes-Benz Brisbane Fashion Festival is fast becoming the platform for many up-and-coming designers to launch their labels. That’s why the Emerging Designer Group Show is a must see for all fashionistas out there.  I was recently lucky enough to get an insight into the creative mind of on one of the emerging designers showing this year. 

Originally from the Czech Republic, Sharka Bosakova brought with her a background in Theatre / Set and Costume Design before coming to Australia.  Also an accomplished jeweller and photographer, the range she’s showing at the festival will be her first foray into the world of designer fashion.  With such an accomplished background, Sharka’s collection is one to look out for in the show.              

I see that on top of having a background in set and costume design, you also do photography and have a jewellery label. What made you finally choose to start your own fashion label?

I studied fashion design prior to theatre design so I guess I have come around in a full circle. My other endeavours and experiences have supported this goal to have my own fashion label.

Would you say that your collection for the fashion festival is influenced by your background in theatre and costume? If not, what are your influences for this range?

Theatre and costume design definitely influences me, however in fashion design I find myself inspired by the movement of fabrics and body as well as distorting traditional rules of construction. For my first collection ‘Shadows Of Your Garden’ my main inspirations came from nature as well as the artwork by my close friend Renata Buziak (printed on the garments). I enjoy challenging rules, dreaming BIG and discovering the character in each individual garment.

What in your life inspires your creativity the most?

The main things that inspire me in fashion, which is also evident in other areas of my design, are nature and the materials which I use to make the garment. However I also find that I am subconsciously influenced and inspired by the creative people that surround me and whom I have shared my life with.

When in your life did you know you wanted to be in fashion, and was there a moment that confirmed it for you?

Design and fashion is an integral part of who I am and who I have always been. When I close my eyes and am consumed by the silence of my mind, the only image I see is array of colourful fabrics hovering in the breeze. You don’t choose fashion, fashion chooses you.

Why did you choose Brisbane’s Mercedes Benz fashion festival as a platform to launch your label?

Where else would be the better place to start? My friend Renata Buziak and I collaborated for a photography exhibition during last year’s MBFF in the South Bank arbour. Her prints are featured in my collection. I remember saying to Renata one night whilst standing below the walkway that I wanted to be in the 2011 festival with my own label….and here we are.

Are there any other labels in the fashion festival that you would like to go and see?

I’m really looking forward to the Akira and Sass & Bide show and I can’t wait to see Carmargue’s runway!

Amongst the other labels in your show, what do you think will make your range stand out from the rest?

My garments all have amazing movement and flatter the female body. The unique prints will also make this collection stand out from the crowd.

Where would you like to see your label in five years time?

In five years I hope to have good solid position in the Australian fashion industry, delivering clothing which makes women feel feminine and comfortable. I would love to build a team of amazing people and would endeavour to keep surprising the fans of my label and myself!  

What type of person do you see wearing your label?

She’s a creative woman with a unique sense of style. No matter what her day job is, I imagine her to be interested in art, culture and the environment. She appreciates fine fabrics and finishing and doesn’t follow the trends, preferring to stand out from the crowd whilst still being comfortable and feminine.

And finally, I know most workrooms have music on while working, who do you listen to when you’re designing and creating?

I am currently working in the Fashion Incubator studio at Kelvin Grove so there is a good mix of music happening with the eclectic bunch of designers who work there. Personally I enjoy traditional world music sounds and rhythms with the Korean flute, Erhu and Didgeridoo being among my favourites. Did I mention Scott Walker, Radiohead, Sigur Ros? Then, of course, the compositions of my friends (Clocked Out Duo, Way out West )!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival runs from August 20-26. Sharka Bosakova is part of the Emerging Designer Group Show on Tuesday August 23. For more info, head to mbff.com.au.