Canberra designer Sofia Polak has been creating glamorous custom garments for the past five years. Having previously styled Fashions On The Field judges and a Miss World Australia finalist, Sofia has now turned her sights to her first ready to wear collection, which launches this weekend at Fashion Exposed in Sydney.

This year she will also style the winner of the Myer Face of Canberra Racing, held at Thoroughbred Park, for the duration of their title.

Jil Hogan caught up with Sofia Polak on the eve of her collection launch.

Tell me a bit about your collection.
I decided to produce a collection of eveningwear that’s sophisticated and that I’m hoping to stock in high end boutiques. The collection includes a range of design features that I have been playing with in the past couple of years, such as pleating and panelling. I decided to use my favourite colours which portray my signature style such as a deep purple, red, black and cream. I’ve also done a couple of maxi dresses in the collection that will also be available in white for bridal. I’ve taken my time to develop a sophisticated product and designs that really represent my style.

Which do you prefer – designing custom garments or collections?
They’re both different. Custom design gives you an opportunity to start from scratch for an individual. I design exclusively for the clients which is a process that I love because the client gets to have a little bit of input and it’s like we’re working together. With the collection it’s a range I’ve been wanting to do for a long time and I guess it’s my ultimate goal.

What do you hope to get out of Fashion Exposed this weekend?
It’s a trade fair, specifically for the fashion industry. I’ll have my range on show and I’m hoping to get some industry contacts. Something that I think my fellow Canberra designers share is that it’s hard to get industry contacts in Canberra, so you do have to venture out and get amongst the interstate fashion industry.

How would you describe the fashion industry in Canberra?
I think the fashion industry in Canberra is growing and there’s some real talent. I think it’s partly because the CIT fashion course, which I graduated from in 2006, is very business orientated and really comprehensive. I think also you get inspired in Canberra not seeing the sort of things you’d like to see. That’s how some Canberra designers find their niche – they’re out there looking for things that you can’t necessarily get in Canberra and they get inspired to do their own thing and I think that’s great.

With the racing season upon us, what’s your advice dressing for races this year?
I think dressing for the races should always be ladylike and quite classic. What fashionistas can do is take a few trends that are in season and perhaps incorporate them into their outfit somehow, but I don’t think the races should ever be purely trend orientated. It should always be classic.

If you could style anybody in the world who would it be?
I feel honoured dressing or styling any girl who likes to dress with elegance and an edge.

For more about Sofia visit www.sofiapolak.com.au.