After years of styling, creating, watching and even inspiring so many other brands’ fashion week shows, Australian fashion icon Pip Edwards – along with her business partner, designer Claire Tregoning – will finally show her own label P.E Nation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2016. Here the pair talk about how they’ve created this collection, plus (below this video) Edwards gives us her best tips for surviving the Fashion Week whirlwind.

 

pip’s tips on how to BREEZE THROUGH fashion week

How many times have you been to Australian fashion week? Every year for 15 years, starting 2001 when Ksubi sent rats down the runway. I’ve worn so many hats – designer, creative director, show stylist, partygoer…”

What are your best memories? All of the Ksubi shows were really special to me. Maurice Terzini and Lucy Hinckfuss’ Ten Pieces spectacular at Bondi Icebergs last year will go down in history as the most epic show to ever happen in Australia. (The famous Icebergs pool was drained and used as the runway.)

How does it feel to be showing your own label with Claire this year? I can’t believe that after all these years representing so many brands, I’ll finally be doing a show for my own. It’s super exciting, but I’m quite nervous. That’s natural – it’s almost like I’m a rookie again.

What’s the best way to avoid looking like an newbie at fashion week? There’s no need to rush, then stand waiting outside shows before they start. Trust me, they’re always late.

Any advice for anyone worried about what to wear? Be comfortable and be yourself. Don’t dress like someone else or dress to be noticed.

Join GRAZIA at the Mercedes-Benz Weekend Edition May 20-21. Our GRAZIA Style Sessions are 5pm, 6pm and 7pm on Saturday. Book your tickets HERE.

pip edwards pe
P.E Nation founders Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning
Image: courtesy P.E Nation