From the humble beginnings of a childhood dress up box, fashion designer Elliot Ward-Fear has become a highly anticipated addition to the Australian fashion landscape. Lauded as the most promising avant-garde fashion designer in Australia, Elliot’s RAFW debut in 2010 as part of the Innovators group show was met with critical acclaim from both national and international buyers and media. “Ward-Fear will appeal to those who revel in the unique and fiercely creative,” said Madison; his A/W look book, a collection entitled ‘Spirit of Clothing’, garnered international press, featuring on Dazed Digital, Another magazine blog and The Fashion Spot.
Following RAFW last year, Ward-Fear’s collection was showcased on Australia’s big rating fashion show, Australia’s Next Top Model. In a highly stylised challenge, the contestants were placed inside a Vivid Light Festival exhibition where they were required to model Ward-Fear’s conceptual work as ‘living mannequins’. Elliot’s collection was showcased by ANTM for a second time after the designer, and his stunning collection, was invited back for the live finale in late September.
In October, Elliot’s meteoric rise hit overdrive after he customised several pieces from his S/S 10 collection for international fashion blogger Bryan Boy (www.bryanboy.typepad.com). Wearing one of Elliot’s infamous perspex spiked collars, the Manila-based blog-star was backstage following the Miu Miu parade when Miuccia Prada enquired: “Who are you wearing?” as she leaned in to offer Bryan the customary double air kiss. Misjudging the length of Elliot’s spiked collar, Miuccia came a little too close, almost taking out her eye. “Took a miracle to exchange kisses with mrs prada with my extreme elliott ward-fear necklace,” tweeted Bryan. Regaining her composure, Prada continued to quiz Bryan Boy on Elliot, saying his collar and more importantly his shoes where the “most amazing accessories” she’d seen.
Elliot’s work from his graduating collection was showcased as part of the Powerhouse Museums’ annual Student Fashion exhibition also last year. He has also been the recipient of several prestigious industry awards both domestically and internationally. In October 2009, Ward-Fear’s futuristic eveningwear won him the Superior Grand prize at the HEP5 Original Fashion contest. Held in Osaka
Japan, Elliot was the only international designer to win a prize. The designer then went on to graduate from East Sydney TAFE magna cum laude.
Dedicated to the pursuit of sartorial greatness, Elliot Ward-Fear’s S/S11 collection, titled ‘Beauty in Exile’, was a highly conceptual marriage of avant-garde references and bespoke tailoring. Inspired by Alexandre Vassilievs' book Beauty in Exile, Elliot created an allegory surrounding a woman; a central character who inspires, or more epitomises the concept.
“In this case I have created a woman in exile,” he says. “She's running from a place she can't return, she's trapped, caged, she carries her lost luxury into a
world the complete opposite and henceforth stands out. My aim aesthetically is to create a fusion of East meets West drawing on swollen silhouettes of old world European glamour and the simplicity of Asian aesthetic incorporating wholesome fabrics and avant-garde garment design.”
The future is looking bright for Elliot Ward-Fear; his garments are in constant demand from some of the most important fashion stylists, both locally and worldwide, and consumer demand grows daily. His RAFW solo debut in 2011 promises to be one of the week’s hottest tickets as hungry fashionistas look forward to seeing what the young avant-garde designer delivers next.
Age: 21
City of origin: Sydney
Favourite piece from your current collection?
The Heart -Shaped Heiny bodysuit, as it reflects what I’m all about. Controversial and directional, conceptual fashion design.
Your humble beginnings in the business of fashion?
Are still going!
Something we wouldn’t have heard about Elliot Ward-Fear?
He’s actually a woman.
If an Elliot Ward-Fear garment could talk, what would it say?
“I’m a crazy lunatic!”
Biggest event on the 2011 calendar?
Laying the foundations for a business that will last far longer then my lifetime.
Famous clients?
Rhianna, Bryan Boy, Lady Gaga.
Proudest Elliot Ward-Fear moment so far?
Joining my PR agency, Mother and Father PR; getting my first proper studio; managing to survive; making beautiful clothes and making my family prooooud!
Greatest perk?
Being able to pursue my passion and being able to identify what my passion actually is.
Toughest part of your job?
Lack of funding.
The best piece of advice you've been given?
To persist and not focus on what ANYONE ELSE is doing.
No Elliot Ward-Fear garment is finished without…
A lotta love, a little bit of tears and a sew-in label.
Best praise from the media about Elliot Ward-Fear?
Alyx Gorman; The Vine Online: “Elliot Ward-Fear is Australia’s most promising avant-garde designer” Thanks Al!
Dream model for your garments?
Lara Stone.
Why should there be a Elliot Ward-Fear piece in every gal’s wardrobe?
There shouldn’t be! Elliot Ward-Fear isn’t for every gal!