LP33.3
We are pretty sure that all of you are getting tons of emails every day. Sometimes is annoying, some others you can find little gems. That was the case when we received the LP33.3 lookbook. We instantly fell in love with the dream like feel that their collection has and we decided we want to share their talent with you! So we asked them for an interview. They were kind enough to say yes and answer all of our "noisy" questions! We hope you enjoy as much as we did!
Tell us a few things about yourselves and where you live.
LP33.3 is a collaboration between Paul del Giglio and Luke Hosking. We are based in Sydney, Australia and work from our studio in Potts Point, a quaint inner-city suburb that doesn't feel suburban but has a village-like quality and is characterized by art deco architecture and a creative community. We feel very at home here.
How did you become a team? How LP33.3 was born?
Luke and I met over 5 years ago. I had just returned from my studies at the Marangoni Institute and working in Milan, and Luke had completed his degree at East Sydney Institute. We went on to work for several well-known fashion companies and made the decision to combine forces and create a unique brand focusing on "intelligent" clothing that supports the (small) local fashion industry. We really wanted a hands-on approach to the clothes we designed, and to be able to manipulate fabrics, instead of having them mass-produced overseas and being detached from the physicality of the process. Now in its second season, LP33.3 aims to utilize the specialist skills that exist locally, and have been taken for granted.
There is a strong tailoring tradition within Australia, inherited from English and European migration but sadly it has diminished since the 1980's as the industry moved offshore. We incorporated Australian wool where possible as it's the best in the world, and source unique fabrication from Italy, France, Switzerland, Japan & New Zealand which provide a foundation for our creative process and offer endless inspiration.
Tell us a few things about your collection. It has a dream-like feel, it is almost ethereal with the clothes floating on the model.
This was exactly our intention for S/S 11. We wanted to create garments that are light as air. The lightness of the garments give them a seductive quality and the movement their sensual femininity. The intention is for the garment to move with the wearer and is as much about contouring and enveloping the body as it is about the garment moving away from the body and creating its own shape.
The simplicity of our garments is quite deceptive and we approach the creative process from an architectural and geometrical point of view. We don't over-design with embellishments, frills and flounces to masquerade but set out to ensure the natural quality of the fabric always shines through. The garments are sometimes in a state of construction or deconstruction which is integral to our ethos of creation, decay and renewal or "re-birth" (the infinite loop as symbolized by 33.3).
Do you have favorite pieces?
The sheer simplicity and versatility of the reversible pieces-the kimono jacket that can be worn inside out and the shift dress that has been cut in a way that can be worn back to front.
I love that the wearer can interpret these garments and discover new ways to wear them. There are a couple of pieces in the range that emphasize the layering of sheer textures and colors that are present in Japanese summer kimono dressing.
The intensity of the rockmelon on the floaty squares dress is subdued as the sheer georgette moves and drapes over a milky underlay. The draped dress evokes an elegant state of undress, which suggests seductivity rather than revealing it all.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
We draw inspiration from artists, architecture, film, history and strong women.
Our intention is to draw upon the mood of these inspirations more than litteral details. For example in our current collection Rosalie Gascoigne's work is very influential. Her use of found objects to build installations of abstract landscapes was something we wanted to reinterpret the garment from.
What do you listen when you design?
We usually listen to an eclectic mix. Lately we have been listening on loop Kate Bush, Mina & Edith Piaf. I am sure these strong women have added to the intensity of the collection!
You said that you draw inspiration from strong women. So what is your ideal LP33.3 woman?
A sophisticated, confident and modern woman with a strong sense of style and conviction. She appreciates the intensity of our inspiration and injects her own personality. She wears the clothes, they don't wear her.
What do you wear daily?
This depends on what we are doing that day, but usually we are quite simple and wear a pair of old jeans and a t-shirt. It is somewhat difficult to pattern-make and cut in a 3-piece suit!
Is your closet messy?
Orderly disorder. Luke is orderly, I am somewhat messy...
Do you shop online?
Yes, unfortunately is a guilty pleasure of ours. Everything from toiletries to teapots!
What are your next plans and where do you see LP33.3 in 10 years time?
We are currently concentrating on the next collection for F/W 12, so stay tuned!
The label has been gaining interest overseas, so stocking the label worldwide will be the next step. We would love to open a stand alone store that really evokes the essence of LP33.3 and encompasses a wider range of products.
Where can we find LP33.3?
Online at www.the-dreamery.com and selected boutiques across Australia.
You can also emai us at thelabel@lp333.net.