DAMAR Clothing could not have left a better initial impression after their very first runway show, titled ‘Style is Born’.
Babushka Pop-Up in Hawthorn was the perfect venue where over 100 guests welcomed in the new DAMAR collection for Autumn/Winter 2012. The vaulted ceilings, dark wood, stark white walls, low slung lights and tea-light candles surrounded the audience at the intimate show.
The collaboration between Mark and Damian of DAMAR doesn’t get any more home grown than this. Everything has been designed and is made in Melbourne. Their first, clean collection, ‘Style is Born’ had been a work in progress for eight months. It focused on styling and the fits of each piece.
‘Style is Born’ drew inspiration from a range of personal experiences and external surroundings in an effort to bridge a gap in the Melbourne fashion scene. Easy and ready-to-wear garments were embraced by the audience. Each garment was designed with the wearer in mind – think stylish, comfortable, functional and versatile.
Every couple of outfits, the tunes would change and life size cardboard cut outs of favourite male musicians we introduced. Michael Hutchence, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison and John Lennon all made their way down the catwalk (accompanied, of course, by three male models) to signify the next set of threads coming up.
These guys paved the way for the super cool, skinny-leg jeans and this was reflected in the show. Tapered trousers in taupe and olive cemented their place while dark denim jeans provided the perfect base to any outfit.
T-shirts were classic and basic – the only detail being the striking DAMAR emblem. In mainly neutral shades or earthy tones, they provided the perfect canvas for any accessory or layered effect.
A leather jacket and dark coloured blazer were real standouts. They were tapered with such precision. A long grey cardigan and what resembled a charcoal-coloured duffle coat with the DAMAR signature lining really capped off an amazing night of style and craft.
Knitwear was a great accessory, with a pistachio-green coloured chunky-knit scarf and garnet coloured beanie catching the attention of most.
It can be certain that hours of design work, cutting up patterns and creating the first of many wonderful collections successfully came together for DAMAR’s first show. The boys love Melbourne’s fashion scene – their passion transcended above everything else.
DAMAR wants to give Melbourne men the chance to be a little more daring when it comes to dressing for Melbourne’s crazy weather. Techniques such as layering and also expressing yourself are extremely important to this duo.
Being part of the young, up-and-coming crew of creators, they admire fellow home-grown designers. DAMAR has been built around the idea of ‘home grown fashion’ that supports local trade and jobs – in turn solidifying Melbourne’s place as a major fashion hub, not just Australia-wide but also worldwide.
DAMAR’s next range, for Spring/Summer titled ‘Kingdom of Bohemia’ is all about injecting colour into Melbourne’s fashion setting. Mustard, ruby and emerald are key colours – not to mention some burnout prints for their tees. Overdyed denim and short chinos are also part of this upcoming, edgy collection.
DAMAR plans to continually strive to produce value for money garments for the ‘fashion forward’ gentlemen. Check this out for yourself at Scene Fashion & Lifestyle, Preston or Impulse Fashions, Moonee Ponds. Alternatively, visit www.damarclothing.com for an exclusive shopping experience.
Be sure to also follow DAMAR Clothing at www.facebook.com/damarclothing, on twitter www.twitter.com/damarclothing and their blog www.damarclothing.tumblr.com.
