Autark.
An intimate view of the making of Collection Five.
Slow fashion label Autark is the epitome of considered fashion.
Launched in 2016 as a response to both the needs of the conscious woman and the wide-ranging impact of the fashion industry, Autark has been recognised for its’ enduring capsule wardrobe, low impact and sustainable ethos, luxurious fabrics, artistry, and for the label’s slow release collection approach.
An intimate window.
The making of Collection Five, Autark.
We spoke to Sophia McMahon, Founder of Australian slow fashion label Autark about the inspiration and creation of her latest Collection Five, recently released and now available.
The circumstances of this strange year forced a new perspective for Autark.
This manifested in many ways for me. During 2020, it was a privilege and new experience to explore my own country. Having only ever travelled the Australian coast, driving the length of the Northern Territory was like exploring a completely different place. The centre was otherworldly - a blinding yet muted colour palette, drape-like folds of rock formations, contrasting sensory textures and an endlessly inspiring ancient culture. Observing the meditative creation of Aboriginal artworks and the incredibly talented artists, using techniques and styles passed from generation to generation for time beyond what I could fathom.
Organic shapes, particularly the undulating and contrasting curves of the art and rock formations and a celebration of imperfection spoke to my design inspiration for this latest collection. I wanted designs to be reflective of a feeling of calm and ease, yet with a sense of contrast and irregularity.
These features manifested in asymmetrical draping, alongside the curve of an exaggerated sleeve, an irregular hem contrasted with a textural gather, finished with a completely individual shell cord end detail, and a soft bias cut drape juxtaposed with a boxy gabardine crop.The palette for collection five is reflective of the brilliant and muted earth tones, contrasted with bright sky blues. All fabrics are 100% natural, deadstock or GOTS certified organic. For the first time I have crafted pieces using a beautiful cotton/silk/hemp blend.
At the core of Autark and my designs is ease, versatility and longevity of wear. Collection five was designed to provide the Autark woman with classic pieces to work into her life and form part of her long lasting wardrobe, and to wear back with pieces from previous collections.
Sophia McMahon, Founder & Designer of Autark
It’s easy to understand why this Australian fashion label was a finalist in this year’s National Designer Award at the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Sophia McMahon’s latest Collection Five is an ode to joy, the beauty in imperfection and the feminine spirit.
Autark designs are striking, investment pieces created from the most luxurious of silks, cottons, linens and an array of natural fibres - carefully considered, designed and released as seasonless essential pieces in limited editions.
Collection 5, which previewed at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in the National Designer Award category and recently released to the market introduces a beautiful mix of new essentials from balloon sleeve dresses to luxurious silk off the shoulder blouses, gathered sleeve shirts, silk drawstring pants and many more.
Pieces are crafted in silks in slate and black palettes, with lighter day dresses, shirts and blouses in madras check and sky, white and black deadstock and organic cotton poplin.
It is evident in this latest collection stays true to Autark’s slow design ethos, with every piece carefully designed and thoughtfully crafted.
Autark's Collection Five was shot at The Cedars. This beautiful property includes Hans Heysen’s studio – Australia’s oldest artist’s studio able to be viewed– and Nora Heysen’s studio, as well as the Heysen family home. There are some 200 original works of art can be seen in changing displays in the studios and the house.
Adelaide-based Sophia has truly created a label that is enduring - centred on substance, luxury and quality, with every garment crafted ethically and locally.
“When I design Autark pieces I want to attach feeling to them,” says Sophia McMahon, designer and director at autark, “which is why I carefully consider their components at each touchpoint. From the details, fabrics and finishings, to the choice to manufacture locally with talented Australian pattern makers and machinists, to the idea that they are an investment to be a part of someone’s life for a long time.”
CREDITS
Nick Astanei @nnixz - bts imagery
The Cedars Hahndorf - @thecedarshahndorf - location
Tori Trigg - @tori.trigg @themodelsau - talent
Kate Santosh - @katesantosh_ @finesse_models_australia - talent
Georgia Edgar - @georgiaedgarmakeup - hair and makeup
Maya Madsen - @maya.madsen - styling assistant
Dylan Starczak - @stvrzk - photography and videography