At 32, Alexi Freeman already established himself as one of Australia’s hottest young design talents. After setting up his ALEXI FREEMAN label in 2006/2007, the Hobart boy has gone from strength to strength, designing sensual and alluring clothing line , collaborating with Chantal Kirby, Aaron Roberts (room11 architects) , jeweler Tessa Blazey and Teaming up with film maker Tom Blachford .
Alexi is currently based in Melbourne, his collections for women incorporate elements of hand drawn & printed textiles worked into drape and juxtaposed with tailoring. Freeman has since completed 10 seasons of ready-to-wear, selling to a select list of boutiques and private clients in Australia, New Zealand, USA & Europe. Freeman’s collections are a graphic tribute to the world in which we live and his raison d’être is to lure fashion into bed with art, catalyse the rise of understated avant-garde and popularise the notion of urban couture, all the while empowering and paying homage to the modern woman.
UD: Let’s cast our minds back to where it all began for you. When did you first get into the fashion industry and how did it come about?
AF: I was practicing as a fine artist up until then and I came to the conclusion that my artworks were like story boards for yet to be realised fashion collections so I launched the ALEXI FREEMAN label for Spring Summer 2006/2007
UD: What inspires Alexi Freeman ?
AF :The clouds, my dreams, the shapes that I see when I close my eyes... pretty much anything except fashion itself.
UD: How would you describe your designs?
AF: casual, sexy and alluring
UD: What for you is exciting in fashion now?
AF: I'm excited by the wave of fashion labels collaborating with film makers to realise experiential videos that give us all more of an insight into the world of the designer and their vision. I also think the reinvigoration of old European houses by the designers of today is fascinating and is helping to create a more diverse culture of fashion globally.
UD: What has been your greatest fashion moment?
AF: It hasn't happened yet...
UD: Which pieces do you prefer to design , do you have a favorites?
AF: It hasn't happened yet...
UD: Which pieces do you prefer to design , do you have a favorites?
AF: I'm pretty obsessed with designing dresses.
UD: Do you design with a muse in mind?
AF: No
UD: What do you want women to feel when they are wearing Alexi Freeman?
AF: more themselves then they did before they started wearing AF.
UD: What was your inspiration behind the AW 11 “Stardust” collection?
AF: Deep Space.
UD: What was the most enjoyable moments of designing AW 11 “Stardust “collection?
AF: Playing with the two-tone stardust sequins. Endless entertainment! Also making our first film, Stardust.
UD: What can we expect from Alexi Freeman Upcoming Collection ?
AF: Check out our Neo Lace Gown Neo Lace Gown for a glimpse at what we have in store for you....
UD: If we invest in one thing this season, what should it be?
AF: An ALEXI FREEMAN Stardust trench. Definitely an heirloom in the making!
UD: Who, past and present, would you most like to dress?
AF: past: Isabella Blow. Present: probably Gaga. I'm not sure if anyone loves experimenting with fashion as much as she does.
UD: Are there any designers, past or present, that you would have liked to work with?
AF: Alexander McQueen. Martin Margiela.
UD: What do you think sets Australia apart from the rest of the world in terms of fashion and style?
AF: Probably our penchant for wearing couture with converse. We like to mix it up here which is nice.
UD: Do you plan to be based in Australia for the foreseeable future?
AF: For the timebeing, yes. Although relocating to Europe in a few years time isn't entirely out of the question.
UD: Finally, do you have any advice to an up and coming fashion designer?
AF: Well they say 10 years is an overnight success in the business, so get ready to work your proverbial butt off!
Stardust Collection aw 2011 :
Stardust 2011 Film :