undiscovered talent | habadakas

When thinking of jewellery I think of dainty little chains, gold and silver and sentimental pieces that last a life time. Traditional and some-what generic. Something that every woman has and if it's not from the jewellers its a fast-fashion piece from Lovisa or Equip. There's not alot of diversity within the jewellery market and there aren't alot of pieces that stand out from the rest, but there's one young lady who's breaking through the boundaries of contemporary jewellery and bringing innovative creativity to the fashion accessory world.

Harriet Culbertson, better known as Hattie, is the 18 year old muse behind the fearless jewellery label Habadakas.  A label that is "vibrant and contemporary" and specialises in extravagant and detailed leather neck pieces. She uses colourful leather and intricate beading to create her unique fabric jewellery range.

Her pieces are armour-like fashionable shields for the body and remind me of warriors (fashionable warriors) preparing for war. Inspired predominantly by Bali and all the country's influential elememts - the people, culture, nature and scenery, Hattie transforms these noticeable elements into breath-taking one-off pieces that attract the bold and the daring. You see the connection through the colour schemes, placement of beads and the structure of her designs. Its avant-garde, festival attire and the breath of fresh air that the jewellery and accessory realm needs.

Her other inspirations include fellow boundary pushing designers including Australia label Romance Was Born and Japanese designer Maiko Takeda. She is inspired by their innovative ways of thinking and fresh ideas. She also finds herself continuously inspired by her magical surroundings and fellow talented Adelaide creatives.

Earlier this year, Hattie launched her debut collection "Hati Hati". The collection which translates to "danger" or "caution" in Balinese is a raw interpretation of Hattie's inspirations consisting of one-off hand-made designs in energetic colour schemes and adorned with intricate and precisely placed beading. The collection brings to life artwork for the body and embodies the bold and brave qualities which her consumers portray. 

She is currently expanding the already incredible Habadakas range with the introduction of cuffs, anklets and small clutches which are again,  hand-made delicately with fine leathers and exquisite beads.

"I aim to encourage my customers to dress fearlessly and more boldly"

Habadakas is an incredibly inspiring, up-and-coming brand. Hattie's ideas and creative energies are bringing to life a new sector in the fashion, jewellery and accessory world. It's rebellious its bold and its brave. Its a brand that I see taking over the world, bringing to life a new realm of individuality and daring ideas. 

I look forward to the journey of Habadakas, watching them grow and witnessing the revolution they are bringing upon the fashion accessory world. For more information on the brand and where you can pick up one of their one-off designs, head to their Facebook or Instagram sites.

Images and information sourced from Habadakas social media and their feature with The Adelaidian

designer profile: alexander mcqueen

High-fashion labels are not my forte. As gorgeous, creative and inspiring as designer collections are, I've never been one to follow the runway collections of classic, household designer names like Chanel, Dolce Gabbana or Diane von Furstenberg. I'm more of an edgy girl, and I prefer labels and trends that are a little bit off center and add a quirky uniqueness to today's contemporary world. I like a designer who beats to their own drum and has the ability to create and produce a range of collections that scream individuality and tell a unique cultural and emotional story through colour and patterns, shapes, silhouettes and embellishments.

Put all these together and you get the reason why I am in awe of the expert fashion genius that is
Alexander McQueen.

A luxe fashion house, founded by designer Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992 the brand is an impeccable representation of artistry, creativity and individuality. Its a brand that isn't afraid to push the sophisticated boundaries of high end fashion and one that has made its name by being controversial and by taking an unconventional approach to fashion design and it's classical features.

"Alexander's collections combine an in-depth working knowledge of bespoke British tailoring, the fine workmanship of the French Haute Couture atelier and the impeccable finish of Italian manufacturing."

I first discovered Alexander McQueen in my last year of high school when I was sourcing inspiration for my major project. It was his Spring Ready-to-Wear collections of both 2010 and 2011 that caught my eye and sparked the ideas to create my final body of work. I was mainly in awe of his modern age digital prints, bright colours and abstract shapes but I also couldn't believe the detail he put in to not only every piece of his collection, but every piece of his brand. Shoes, accessories, embellishments, head pieces, you name it, he did it all, and every piece was unique, alternate yet wearable. He was an artist and an incredibly talented one at that. I admired and still respect his impeccable skill, that he wasn't afraid to push the boundaries of fashion and that he had found such success in doing so.

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2010

Another aspect I truly admired about his collections was his ability to penetrate deep emotion straight into your bones. Every collection whether it be happiness on a Balinese island to fear in a combat war - I felt emotion. I could in vision a culture. And I could see pure beauty. 

Lee McQueen made his talent very clear through his array of accomplishments and awards. He made a name for himself through his extensive work as Creative Director for both Givenchy and Gucci where he made some great friends and incredible contacts. His time at Givenchy was also when he was awarded his first "British Designer of the Year" award. Between 1996 and 2003 McQueen was awarded this title 4 times, and in 2003 received the CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and named International Designer of the Year.

He was a truly a creative genius and an unbelievably talented man.
 Lee Alexander McQueen passed away on 11th February 2010

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011

Since his passing the brand has only continued to grow and change the face of fashion thanks to the inspiring works of Sarah Burton. Not only has she kept the unique, controversial and unconventional image of Alexander McQueen alive but she has created a true empire and legacy to his incredibly artistic work and individuality around the world.

Burton herself has also made a huge indent in the fashion world through her designs, accomplishments and accolades. Since starting with McQueen in 1997 and being appointed head of Womenswear in 2000, she has designed pieces for a number of celebrities and society figures around the world including Cate Blanchett, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga and most notably Kate Middleton who she designed her wedding gown for. Not only has this celebrity affiliation gained great publicity for the business but it has allowed the brand to appeal to more then just an unconventional and edgy audience and convert classic fashionistas to the artistic world. Sarah has also received a number of prestigious awards including the Designer of the Year Award at the 2011 British Fashion Awards and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for her services in the British fashion industry. 

Alexander McQueen - Spring Ready-to-Wear 2015

"Integral to the McQueen culture is the juxtaposition between contrasting elements: fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, fluidity and severity."

Throughout it's remarkable life so far, Alexander McQueen has produced an inspiring number of outrageous, creative and unconventional collections that push the boundaries of fashion and have each left a memorable mark on the fashion world. From ready-to-wear to menswear, resort and the brand's lower-priced diffusion line McQ, Alexander McQueen does it all and is now making itself available to a wider and more eclectic audience.With every new collection the brand continues to leave its magical and controversial mark on today's contemporary fashion world and grow into an incredible empire in honour of the brand's remarkable founder.

Alexander McQueen - Fall Ready-to-Wear 2012
All images www.style.com and instagram.com/worldmcqueen