KELLI WHARTON: INSIDE SCOOP ON HER NEW LINE, FASHION BLOGGERS & WHAT INSPIRES HER

What made you decide to introduce a diffusion line to your TALULAH label?

ISLA BY TALULAH was born to serve as the creative expression of the jovial and playful side of TALULAH, as well as build a strong identity for the youth wing of the company. ISLA offers designer clothing for young women offering TALULAH’s key silhouettes and vivid prints and the inspiration from TALULAH’s main line but the interpretation is a little younger and quirkier which translates through different fabrics, finishes and prices. 

Who do you see as the ISLA BY TALULAH girl?

With a wandering freedom, the Isla girl is youthful, spirited, healthy and happy and explores her everyday style as an expression of her individuality. 

Taylor Hill looks beautiful in your ISLA BY TALULAH lookbook. Is there a reason why you chose to have her model your collection?

Taylor Marie Hill fits the ISLA demographic perfectly. At 17 she has already graced catwalks globally and featured across the covers of major fashion publications, yet remains completely down to earth. She is a natural beauty, but holds a unique playful charm – which does wonders when she is in front of the camera. Her beach girl, small town, girl next door character really shines through in our ISLA Spring Summer campaign. 

Where did you find inspiration for your ISLA BY TALULAH Spring/Summer 2013 collection?

ISLA offers wardrobe staples and key printed pieces – including the luxe party dress – and is inspired by the TALAULAH brand ethos, while forming its own unique youthful and spirited signature aesthetic. The ISLA Spring Summer range was inspired by summer rays, beach holidays, summer parties and fashion with attitude. The ISLA spring summer collection almost conjures up a contradiction in its designs; elegant silhouettes, detailed finishes and feminine prints but mixed with a playful and cheeky attitude; flirty colour ways, short hemlines and bold body-con.

What’s your favourite piece from the ISLA BY TALULAH collection?

ISLA Treat Me Maxi Dress is a favourite of mine from this collection. With its subtle V Neckline, racer back and gathered waist it is light and easy to wear in summer, but also brings a touch of elegance to a young woman’s wardrobe.  Its watercolour print is also a favourite of mine in this collection – any woman will be a knockout in its vibrant mix of violets, pink hues and bold blues. 

What’s the price point for ISLA BY TALULAH and where can we find the collection to purchase?

Prices range between $59.95 and $139.95. ISLA is stocked at David Jones department stores, selected boutiques and online at www.talulah.com.au. 

I love the concept of free fragrant candle with every eboutique order! Why did you decide to offer this free gift with purchase? 

We always love to reward our loyal customers. ISLA is a lifestyle and customers who purchase from ISLA like to feel part of that lifestyle. That lifestyle is intrinsically tied to creativity, femininity and the Australian Byron Bay aesthetic, so tying back the ISLA garments with complementary gifts that express these aesthetics, allow our customers to experience that lifestyle even further. 

You’ve also branched in swimwear this year, so do you have any other further plans to keep expanding your TALULAH brand?

We are continuing to develop the TALULAH and ISLA lifestyle, building a TALULAH world. Ahead for the brand is a designer home wares collection, beachwear, plus cushions and furnishings. It is a very exciting time for the brand and our consumer!

What do you think the top trends for this Spring/Summer season will be?

I myself tend to play around with my own unique style – I like to mix and match different silhouettes, colours and prints, rather than follow seasonal trends. I believe a gorgeous print dress – both maxi and mini are an essential piece to every woman’s spring/summer wardrobe– which is why they feature in both the ISLA and TALULAH collections. Team with flats for a spring brunch or day near the beach, and wedges and statement earring for a night on the town!

What do you think of the rise of bloggers and their impact on the fashion industry?

Fashion blogs have changed the fashion industry. They have opened the doors to reveal a “behind the scenes” world of fashion and allowed consumers to step inside. The fashion world is exciting and filled with characters, it is unique, creative and wonderful – fashion blogs have opened this world further to fashion followers and consumers, upcoming designers, stylists and journalists – and connected everyone world over. Social Media and fashion blogs have allowed retailers and fashion brands to have two way conversations with their consumers. We admire this very much here at TALULAH. 

What drove your decision to have Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Vintage to open your fashion week show in 2012? 

Her elegance, confidence and beauty for a start! She is unique, fresh faced – and I admire her ability to go out on her own – she has turned blogging into a business! Working with her she very much represented the TALULAH aesthetic; spirited, elegant and individual style. She is one of the leading fashion bloggers here in Australia and to have her represent our brand was a true privilege.

Who would you love to see in any of your items? And who has already worn your clothes and it made you feel really proud and excited?

I would love to dress Cara Delevingne! Her natural beauty and individual style tie her perfectly to the TALULAH and ISLA aesthetic – confident, imaginative and styles with elegance and sensibility. 

You’ve also recently released the latest Spring/Summer 2013 collection for TALULAH entitled ‘Chasing Rainbows’. What’s the inspiration and idea behind this collection?

Chasing Rainbows was inspired by colour and textures reminiscent of a spring and summer floral garden. The styles are elegant and modern, designed with touches of soft tailoring and striking colour panels. At TALULAH we always strive to create amazing prints – and this collection is no exception. Chasing Rainbows brings to life tropical flowers, brilliant blossoms and floral mosaics. The pallet mixes blues tones, pop oranges, soft pinks, vibrant green and powerful violets.