Designer Discovery; Willow

Kit Willow Podgornik had her collection, Willow, debut at Mercedes Australian Fashion week 2003, winning much praise for her line of elegant yet extravagant lingerie featuring beautifully jeweled straps. From here, Kit went on to develop her range to include outerwear with an emphasis on strong, feminine romantic shapes, in elegant styles made with natural fibers. The luxurious textures of Willows clothes range from delicate silks, metallics and tweeds. Kit Willow won the Prie De Marie Claire award for best new designer in 2005, alongside Toni Maticevski (another fabulous Australian designer).

Willows style has always been remarkably romantic and whimsical, more appealing for women who like softer, more feminine style of dressing. Willows collection is filled with timeless and lavish pieces- soft cashmere knits, floaty chiffon dresses that have been ruched, pleated and draped. Willow infuses both day and night dressing into one item of clothing, from her signature tailored corsets, jackets and dresses composed of layer upon layer of softly pleated mousse line, which have been individualized with hand worked metal and glass appliqués sourced from antique markets all over the globe.

Taking inspiration from far-flung places and the wonderfully decadent eras of fashion history, Kit Willow has conjured up a feeling of carefree elegance for her label, melding luxurious finishes with an earthy romance that’s right for now and tomorrow. WILLOW’s signature luxurious textures, softly draped shapes, unconventional colors and earthy embellishment conjure up the sentiments of luxe glamor, that’s blithe and alluring.

Today, the WILLOW label has evolved into a high-end collection distributed in major boutiques and department stores both in Australia, London, New York, Los Angeles and Dubai, with famous fans the likes of Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, Kate Bosworth and Cate Blanchet.

Written by guest author, and our new Australian correspondent Amanda Verratti.