Designer Philippa Soutberg has just graduated with a Bachelor of Design (fashion design) from the Canberra Institute of Technology and this year will be featuring her label, Recollection at Fashfest 2014.

Recollection creates quality, innovative and Australian-inspired garments featuring subtle imagery and prints designed to remind the wearer of home. These elements are inspired from young and emerging designer Philippa Soutberg’s personal memories and experiences of her extensive travels across our country’s fabulous natural and rural landscape.

Philippa’s fashion aesthetic appeals to consumers who share a similar appreciation of Australia’s natural environment and desire clothing that reminds them of travelling and of home, including the unique attributes of Canberra as a ‘bush capital’. Recollection aims to inspire the consumer to renew their appreciation and recollect the beauty of their country.

We recently spoke with Philippa about all things fashion and Recollection:

Q. Thinking back on 2013, what goals have you achieved that you are most proud of?
Graduating from the Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) degree at CIT. Going into the degree I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do fashion. However, now at the end of it (and managing to get through many stressful and sleepless nights), I couldn’t be happier. It was worth it, and I’m now doing something that I truly enjoy.

Q. What is on the agenda for Recollection in 2014?
2014 is going to be a very interesting year for the Label, starting with the acceptance of my application for FASHFEST. This is my first time appearing at the event. Starting out and moving into the industry is daunting but the excitement and opportunities that comes with it is amazing. The second half of 2014 I am hoping to hold a stall at the Kingston Old Bus Depot Markets. This will allow me to familiarise myself even more with the Canberra market and give me a chance to meet customers and potential clients.

Q. What does it mean to you to be participating as a designer in FASHFEST 2014?
As a recent graduate with limited practical experience at yet in the fashion industry, it is a tremendous opportunity to partake in such a major and professional fashion event. FASHFEST 2014 is providing valuable connections to experts in the fashion industry, exposure through media and further insight into the fashion career path I’m taking. As a Canberran it’s exciting and rewarding to be a part of capital’s new and developing fashion scene and I love helping to promote and support the growth of local design talent.

A few just for fun:

Q. I would love to travel to South America because I have always loved the beautiful and rich art works, colours, patterns and, of course, the continent’s amazing landscapes and architecture.

Q. My heaven on earth is to be with friends and family (pets included) and eating baked cheesecake.

Q. If I could have one thing in the whole world it would be world peace! That or unlimited supply of baked cheesecake. ☺

Q. My favourite designer is really hard to pick! I don’t think I have a favourite because I am constantly amazed by different designers and labels. It also depends on the mood I’m—whether looking at the feminine designs by Lover or the crazy and fun designs by Romance Was Born.

Q. The greatest risk I ever took was when I decided to pursue a career in fashion design.

Thanks Philippa!

While establishing a fully operational business, Philippa hopes to sell at the Hustle&Scout twilight fashion markets, as well as the Old Bus Depot markets and the Canberra Handmade Markets.

In the meantime, have you purchased your Fashfest tickets yet? Do so before they sell out… www.fashfest.com.au