Fashion Styling by Emily Bathgate

Perth. A small city in the massive, somewhat neglected (by the rest of the country) state of Western Australia. Is it all doom and gloom and full of no excitement whatsoever as some Perthians would have us believe? Well, I'm here to prove not!

I've decided to get in touch with some of Perth's hot new talent design wise, and share with the big wide blogging-world that actually, yes - some pretty cool stuff does come from Perth.

Without further ado, I introduce to you the first designer on my list...

Natasha Mapleson

Miss Mapleson has an incredibly fashionable vibe around her, so it was no surprise at all when her 2010 Her Immortal collection launched that her pieces would match her awesome sense of style. A little bit tough-chic, a little bit exotic, and a little bit unique, her beautiful new collection is sure to be a hit.

I caught up with Natasha recently to talk about her self-titled design label, her new collection, and everything style and fashion!

E: So, tell us about your label, Natasha Mapleson!

NM: Well I wanted to fill a gap in the market by introducing a label which is classic yet edgy. Every time I start designing a new collection I like to make it relative to history and feature elements of that time throughout the garments. My clothes are wearable yet glamorous and I think there needs to be more high fashion available without the high fashion price-tag!

Sum up your latest collection, Her Immortal, in five words.

Neutral, detailed, shaped, comfortable, beautiful.

Who/What/Where do you draw fashion inspiration from?

My main inspiration comes from history. After studying about a particular time I then draw inspiration from all different things and places. Colours, nature, animals & shapes. But I always keep a close eye on Christophe Decarnin & Karl Lagerfeld. Their clothes never cease to amaze me!

What was the first thing you sewed, and when did you make it?

The first thing I sewed was a cream jersey jumper when I was 13. It had gold wings on the back and pink pom poms on drawstrings at the front! I've still got it even though it’s an embarrassing piece!

Who is one person that you’d love to see wearing your garments?

Kate Moss. I always watch what she is wearing. Kate can make anything work!

Describe your favourite never-fail outfit/favourite something from your wardrobe.

My black 3/4 sleeve jersey dress with shoulder pads. Dress it up, dress it down – it never fails me!

How did you get to where you are today?

Well, it takes a lot of work to get where I'm going, but I have learnt to stay focused and determined. Fail is not a word in my vocabulary! Sometimes I get so stressed and busy I want to pull my hair out, but then I look at how far I've come and how satisfied it all makes me!

Where do you see your label going in the near future? Do you have any long-term goals for your label?

Long term I want to be involved in fashion weeks nationally and internationally. I am also hoping to one day open my own store in Perth and to sell in London and New York.

Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion designers?

Don’t focus too much on what everyone else is doing. It will just block your mind and you will forget what you want. Try to get your hands on a mentor who is involved in fashion design, they will help guide you! And keep at it; if you think you can do it then of course you can!

And finally, how can we get our hands on your pieces?!

The question everyone is asking me! I am selling to Bonnie & Clyde in North Perth, also rockafrock.com.au a Perth-based online boutique. And in the next few weeks my online store will be up and running.

But I have more stockists coming in the future. And hopefully next year I will be selling in Melbourne & Sydney for all my beloved east coasters!

xo