Interview With The Designer From LOVERS & COLLABORATORS

I’ve long been an avid supporter and dedicated fan of Australian label Lovers & Collaborators purely because of the innovative designs that are both chic yet completely wearable. It is often hard to come across a label that embodies fashionable yet practical designs whilst still being affordable but Lovers & Collaborators did just that.

I recently caught up with the talented home grown designer, Ronda Elmasri, to find out a bit more about the label and herself. It’s always interesting to find out where designers first got their big break and it seems that like so many others, Ronda has had to put in a lot of hard work to get to where she is today. Check it out:

Name:
Ronda Elmasri

Label:
LOVERS & COLLABORATORS

When did you first become interested in fashion design?
I’ve always been drawn to geometric patterns and fabrics and fell into Graphic Design. It didn’t take long to realise I had to work in fashion.

How did you first get your ‘big break’ in the fashion industry?
My first break was work experience for a great menswear label, I really got to know so much about the fashion industry through that.

If you could have any model in the world wear your designs who would it be?
I adore Abbey Lee Kershaw.

Fashion to me is…
A creative outlet that satisfies me in ways I couldn’t ever receive otherwise. Fashion designing is a need in my life not a want.

Your label found success very quickly, what do you think is the secret to becoming noticed in the fashion industry?
To be true to your label, to believe in your work… the buyers are you and I. I believe in designing a product that I would wear and covet!

What do you believe has been your greatest achievement so far?
I try and set short term goals to achieve. My greatest achievement so far is yet to come.

Sum up your personal style in 3 words
Edgy, embellished, rock!

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?
That’s such a hard question as fashion design is in my blood. I guess designing in another form, probably Graphic Design.

If you could do a collaboration with any designer, living or dead, who would it be and why?
That’s another hard question, there are so many inspiring designers that have a signature look that I would love to collaborate with. I guess if I had to choose it would be Ms Coco Chanel.

We love the new collection, what is your biggest inspiration when designing?
I really think about what the Lovers & Collaborators woman will want that season and then my creative path tends to take on a life of its own.

If you could swap wardrobes with one person, who would it be and why?
The current Japanese Vogue editor. Her sense of style is pure and so inspiring. She wears what she feels. A lot of us will hold back by what others think. I’d also love to get my hands on her shoe collection.

What do you think are the biggest trends for the coming colder months?
There will be a lot of tobacco colour translated in to many forms, block colours as well as pleats in everything!

Do you have any big plans for the next 12 months?
To grow the label at a natural pace. I have a 12 month strategy in place so what comes from that will be great.

Where can we expect to see you in 5 years time?
To be stocked nationally and internationally in key boutiques & department stores and to be a well recognised label on the world stage. To be considered a leader in the fashion industry, but mostly to continually listen to my customer and what they need and translate that in every season.