Gwendolynne
Like her name, Gwendolynne Burkin's designs evoke notions of a bygone formal luxurious femininity, yet hint at a strength, confidence and certain coolness. Her design essence is an interpretation and exploration of tradition in a modern context. . The signature look of each of the Gwendolynne collections is ultimately wearable and well versed in the line's blend of historical references generally from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A rising star of Australian fashion, Gwendolynne is a talent highly respected in a discerning fashion scene. Dedicated to the creation of harmony between experimental cut and rare imported luxury fabric. Gwendolynne has established a reputation for superbly executed, unique clothing with a strong European flavour.
A skilled tailor, Gwendolynne knows how to beautifully fit jackets and blouses to a woman's body, structuring them with careful attention to dart detailing, design lines and bias cut. Delicate buttons and French laces inserts added charming Victorian touches. The look is feminine, but hardly flirty. Strong, but not at all aggressive.
Gwendolynne’s relentless pursuit of perfection has ensured local and international media & buyers alike have stood up and taken notice of her show-stopping collection with catwalk images featuring on the front cover of New York’s prestigious fashion bible ‘Fashion Wire Daily’ and London's Drapers Record as well as being covered by Elle Hong Kong and Singapore, Fashion TV and all local major dailys. Gwendolynne has rapidly developed international appeal with major buyers Fred Segel - Los Angeles, Language - New York, Elizabeth Charles - New York, Kelly’s Closet – Atlanta, and Ines - Singapore, Daad Datone - Milan, Charlotte Smith - London buying the collection.
A skilled tailor, Gwendolynne knows how to beautifully fit jackets and blouses to a woman's body, structuring them with careful attention to dart detailing, design lines and bias cut. Delicate buttons and French laces inserts added charming Victorian touches. The look is feminine, but hardly flirty. Strong, but not at all aggressive.
Burkin completed a BA in Fashion Design at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology obtaining a degree with Distinction in 1991. At only 19 she was the first graduate of her year to be employed by a commercial clothing label. There was never any doubt she would study fashion - it was an obvious choice extending naturally from her love of art, sewing and dress-ups throughout school and childhood. At only fourteen and a half Gwendolynne formally entered the clothing trade working as a sales assistant in a fabric shop and taking on various dress making jobs.
Burkin accumulated almost a decade of professional experience both here and overseas before starting her signature label in early1998. These formative years brought her into contact with a fashion pedigree that stands her in good stead. Working as a pattern maker for labels such as Katharine Hamnett (London), Diva (London) and Bettina Liano and Sportsgirl in Melbourne, including freelance pattern making for several notable independent designer labels, established her with well-rounded commercial and designer experience. Since its inception Gwendolynne has been recognised as one of the top five new design labels, by being selected as a finalist in the 1999, 2000, 2001& 2002 New Designer award.
A solid background in design and pattern making helped Burkin refine her skills and personal style before venturing out on her own.
Burkin’s experience prior to her label extends further to costume-design, having created for several small films as well as outfits for British television comedic celebrities, and her label continues to be aligned with many ad campaigns worldwide. She has also made an independent documentary on fashion for television. At the age of 14 she was a fashion presenter for a Channel 9 children’s television show and as a child acted in several theatre productions. “Being on the stage, in front of the camera or behind the camera was never the objective; it was always a reaction to my love of fashion and the theatre of clothing”. Theatre gives clothing a story and soul.
Since her debut collection in February 1998 T Melbourne Fashion Festival, Greville Street, Prahran, New Generation Parade, Gwendolynne has collaborated with milliner extraordinaire Richard Nylon to complete the highly creative theatrical vision, with his sculptural millinery creations. And throughout the first five years of her business she was consistently recognised as one of the hottest new labels by being selected as a finalist consistently for five years in Melbournes' New Designer award.
At the vanguard of clothing design Burkin's artistic vision & overwhelmingly beautiful creations are harnessed by the designers emotive force and her fine craftsmanship. Burkin continues to impress with her innovative design concepts, her faultless production and her intuitive, creative approach to fashion. With each collection, she has become more assured garnering critical acclaim as well as a popular following. Gwendolynne's work has a consistency and a richness that is unique in the world of Australian fashion and cements her status yet again as one of Australia’s leading designers and a talent to watch on the global fashion scene.
Gwendolynne now in its seventh year of business, is renowned for fashion shows of high entertainment and creativity, maintaining a level of style and performance that remains the centre of talk at every fashion festival. Gwendolynne also continues to collaborate with milliner extraordinaire Richard Nylon.
What the media has to say about Gwendolynne
FASHION WIRE DAILY, NEW YORK: by Karin Nelson, Fashion writer
“Melbourne: Gwendolynne's Feminine Cool... Like her name, Gwendolynne Burkin's designs evoke notions of a bygone formal femininity, yet hint at a strength and certain coolness. It's an aesthetic associated with Vivienne Westwood,
YASMINE CHO, (London Boutique) Yasmine Sewell, Buyer & owner
“Can I pick two [favourites]? Easton Pearson overall exquisite, and Gwendolynne unique structure, love the cut”
VISIONAIRE, London editor, DUTCH MAGAZINE; Freelance contributer, WALLPAPER MAGAZINE, Bureau chief, Paul Davies
“I liked all the L’Oreal platform shows: one particularly with Gwendolynne.”
THE AGE: Janice Breen Burns, fashion journalist,
“Gwendolynne served up a very European collection reminiscent of Italian fashion Powerhouse Prada"
Current Gwendolynne stockists
Gwendolynne – 71 Kerr Street, Fitzroy
Atlanta USA – Kelly’s Closet
Myer Accessories Department ONLY - Nationally
Address
71 Kerr Street, Fitzroy, 3065, VIC
Phone: 9415 7687
Email: gwendolynneburkin@yahoo.com
