Ericaamerica, Pleasure State, Rebecca Dawson: Eclectic Looks and Influences
By Michelle Taylor
Photos by Alex Zotos

PERTH, May 10, 2004/ FW/ --- Ericaamerica was the success story of day three at MAFW in Sydney, who, with their first solo collection managed to impress no end those who were able to get out of bed for the 9am show at Town Hall, making it worth the caffeine overload and toothpicks needed to hold open the eyelids.

The three person design team made up of Lucas Bowers, Tristram John and Erica Wadle took menswear in Australia to a new level, providing today’s man with yesteryear romanticism, slim silhouettes and classical men’s tailoring in a show called Victoriana.

Exploring the weird and wonderful old world that was largely stale, full of whisper and gossip, Wadle backstage told Fashionwindows that the trio had been working for a long time toward this collection, taking inspiration from the Victorian era and dealing with an alternate history while asking the question what it would have been like if men were free in their expression rather than hiding behind straight faces and staid uniforms.

They mixed sportive elements like hoods and knee padding in gaucho style trousers, ties worn with t-shirts and matched them with pin striped flat fronted pants reminiscent of the mod era with ankles exposed, while denim jeans had a lovely ericaamerica twist. Torso’s and legs are often elongated through belts, stitched detail and inserts on shirts while edges are rounded in a semi androgynous style allowing vests and shirts to often sit on hips.

For those who missed the well put together show, no doubt you will see the small Perth label sawing to new heights…Universal records has just picked up a number of their pieces for cult superstar Marilyn Manson’s wardrobe.

Designed by veteran lingerie designer Kay Cohen, Pleasure State is all about arousing an intimacy between the woman, the lingerie and her partner to produce a unique, confident sexuality.

Cohen’s vision is to create the ultimate personal and private experience through beautifully handcrafted lingerie, which she was able to achieve with her Spring 2005 collection. Think of it as stiff competition for Victoria’s Secret.

Rebecca Dawson’s feminine and ladylike creations will surely catch the eyes of the ladies who want to look good but don’t want to stand out like peacocks.

The looks are wearable, even cutesy at times, but they are hardly revolutionary.

Ericaamerica

Pleasure State

Rebecca Dawson