In her graduate collection, DREAMRIDERS, Roxane Chan looks to classic American iconography and takes inspiration from Francis Ford Coppola, Westerns, and our endearing love of denim. Casting her work in sweet pastels, masculine shapes are softened and reappear as rebellious and playful womenswear staples. She mixes genres and references with light-fingered ease, and the resulting designs speak to her own keen intelligence.
After completing a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles, and a Bachelor of Arts in International studies at University of Technology Sydney, Roxane spent the next few years working in Sydney’s commercial fashion industry. Recently she decided to return to uni to complete a Master of Commerce. And while the decision may initially seem out of line with her creative past, the ever practical designer notes: “I feel like gaining a better understanding of the business side of fashion will be invaluable for future possibilities in the industry.” We have a feeling those possibilities are pretty close at hand.
Hey Roxane. Checked denim is really the star of your collection, can you tell me about it?
The plaid denim was a play on the classic American western patterns, but on a large scale and in a nostalgic sunset colour palette of yellow, pink, and white. Also I wanted to mix the masculinity and street vibes of the film Rumble Fish by Francis Ford Coppola.
Personally to me, it feels like since Marques Almeida appeared on the scene denim has been having something of a “moment”. At least in terms of people making an effort to approach it with fresher eyes. Why did you personally decide to make it central to your work?
I’ve always loved and worn denim—it’s the easiest things to throw on. Denim has played a major part in youth culture throughout the last century, but it wasn’t until I researched how it was used in work wear, worn by rebellious youths, and became a symbol of freedom in films, that I realised I wanted to create an entire collection from it.
It’s interesting you mention the American, midcentury inspirations. When I first looked at it, I immediately thought it had a rather grungy, London cool kid thing going on. I suppose it shows how many different things denim can inhabit.
I love the way you described it! I think everyone takes different things from it and I definitely can see that description working with the collection.
You have a pretty diverse set of skills now, long term what do you want to do with them?
I’m definitely going to try and keep up my skills in designing, and hopefully get back into pattern making and draping for fun. I didn’t get to do much of that working on the commercial side of fashion design .
Is denim going to be in your future or will you move beyond it?
I think denim is always going to be a part of what I do, but I am also open to anything. I always like to think about the wearer and any significant cultural influences while designing. It will always stem from that.
Credits
Text and styling by Jamie-Maree Shipton
Photography Bowen Arico
Hair and make up Samantha Patrikopoulos using MAC cosmetics.
Model Elodie Russel @ Chadwicks