One to Watch: Amy Lawrance’s Romantic, Handsewn Dresses Were a Standout at Australian Fashion Week

Australian Fashion Week has always been a vibrant platform for showcasing innovative design talent from all over the country. However, on its first day, 32-year-old designer Amy Lawrance captured the spotlight with her collection that combined architectural precision and romantic aesthetics. Presented as part of Next Gen, alongside labels like Emily Watson, House of Campbell, and Potirakis, Lawrance’s designs are a testament to creativity flourishing under constraints.

The Artistry Behind Amy Lawrance’s Designs

Lawrance’s collection featured 12 dresses that stood out not just for their romantic allure but also for their architectural integrity. Her use of almost-flat A-line silhouettes, enhanced with sensual flourishes such as cutouts and pleated details, invited a closer look and touch.

The Influence of Mid-Century Sculpture

During our conversation in her shared accommodation at Fashion Week, Lawrance revealed her inspiration. “I’m always interested in old dressmaking and hand-sewing techniques,” she explained. “This season, I was also looking at mid-century sculpture.” Her reference to a Barbara Hepworth exhibition showcased how artists’ works could transcend mediums—Hepworth’s angular sculptures influencing Lawrance’s dresses with subtle angular slits.

Handcrafted Details

Up close, the extraordinary details of her garments became evident. The hand-stitched silver embroidery added a primal effect to delicate silks, while the shimmery silk abaca fabric used in one dress was typically reserved for millinery. Each piece revealed Lawrance’s meticulous craftsmanship.

• Unique Fabrics: Ahimsa silk created a cardboard-like texture; boiled with cornstarch to add structure.
• Innovative Techniques: Layers of fabric cut to create “feathery effects” and the use of shirred fabric for dynamic silhouettes.

A Glimpse into Lawrance’s Creative Process

Born in Victoria, Amy grew up with supportive parents who encouraged her creativity. She studied fashion design at RMIT in Melbourne and currently balances her work as a design assistant and part-time teacher with her passion for making clothes.

Timeless Craftsmanship

Each dress is crafted from scratch by Lawrance, taking around 15 hours per piece. Her hands-on approach includes flat pattern-making, followed by careful adjustments while wearing the garments herself to ensure a perfect fit.

The Magic of Folding Fabric

Amy’s fascination with two-dimensional design and folding led to striking features like sailor collars that resembled paper fans, adding playful movement as models walked down the runway.

Making it in Fashion: The Future for Amy Lawrance

Currently, Lawrance’s designs are available made-to-order through her Instagram account. As orders begin to trickle in from stores in Melbourne, she dreams of dedicating herself fully to her craft.

The Vision Ahead

Lawrance’s dedication and unique vision mark her as a rising star in the Australian fashion scene. Her approach—blending traditional techniques with futuristic aesthetics—promises even more exciting developments in her career.

A Personal Touch for Every Dress

Each dress crafted by Lawrance is not just a piece of clothing; it’s an expression of her creativity and attention to detail, embodying the spirit of artistry that Australian Fashion Week celebrates year after year.

Stay tuned as we follow Amy Lawrance on her journey from Melbourne’s design studios to international fashion stages. Her story inspires us all to appreciate the blend of tradition and innovation in modern fashion.