CLOCKWORK BUTTERFLY

Steampunk is the new black: it is all around us. In the recent years it has swiftly moved from being an alternative genre towards becoming an aesthetic element that often punctuates many more ‘mainstream’ art ventures. And how could it not? As we move into the financial and ecological period of recession, as we witness the apocalypse driven by our own consumption, we are becoming living, vernacular versions of Tank Girl and Mad Max.

This once eccentric and unique style is becoming a powerful and humbling tool of social commentary. For almost a decade now, Melbourne has been a home of one of Australia’s best loved alternative designers, Alexandra Chambers, the Queen-Larvae that gave birth to the label Clockwork Butterfly and who recently spoke to the Melbourne Critique.

I love working with performers from all different industries. Each specific area has its own challenges and rewards and offers some exciting opportunities. Dressing musicians such as the group Art Vs Science means you can play with enhancing their individual personalities. Dressing circus performers such as the crew from Circus Oz allows you to explore the movement and flexibility of the designed clothes. Magicians like Vegas, Madotti or Mr Marmalade are so much fun because of the theatrical aspects and the technical demands of their costumes. I work with each individual client to create their own story and tailor a design for their specific needs.

When designing a runway collection I often choose a theme like tea or old-fashioned sweets to allow myself to play and have fun with my creations. I have been a part of many alternative fashion catwalks and I love the diversity and unique vision of the designers involved. I aim to include performers in my pieces as not only do they add their showmanship to the runway but, I get to explore different facets of my designs when we collaborate. I  have also worked with artists and designers to create different looks. Sometimes mixing aesthetics can create something exciting and new. In 2017 I created a look based on the mythical figure of Circe with spectacular horns fashioned by Tentacle Spine.

What are your future dreams and plans for all your labels and, particularly,  Clockwork Butterfly? What is coming up for you this year?

In the future I would like to continue and expand the Melbourne Alternative Designers event, as well as, to explore my own label in new and different ways. I have a one-year-old daughter and she has inspired me to create some designs for kids that use some of the mix of the elements and details I love. I have also been doing one-on-one classes to help people gain the skills to create their own unique pieces and learn how to approach a design. In the future I would like to have the opportunity to run some larger classes and continue to teach techniques and construction of costume.

My message to young designers is: don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different techniques, get inspired by the past and find your own way of combining elements. If you want to work in costume get ready to be challenged. Sometimes the best designs come from working within limitations and finding creative solutions. Listen to your client, make things well and make them to last. Love the process of creation and seeing your garments being worn. I feel that you never stop learning in this industry and every person has different things to offer.That’s what makes it so exciting.