I first met Erin Davis through my friend Kel (who just happens to be her older sister!), but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered how supremely talented this girl really is. At just 19 years of age, Erin has spent the past couple of years whipping up enchanting designs under her label, ‘Lilla Stezz‘, and suffice to say, her collections — comprising of anything from gorgeous, vintage-inspired floral jackets to voluminous party-dresses — are nothing short of delightful!
Woven with the essence of flirty, feminine cool, each of Erin’s garments are hand-made & possess a poetic style all of their own. My favourite pieces in her latest collection, her floral jackets, remind me of decadent tea parties in the park on a lazy spring afternoon… and, needless to say, I totally recommend you get your hands on one of her original pieces today!
I love observing and supporting people who saunter confidently down their own creative path, and in saying this, I’m genuinely excited for this talented young designer who is leaving a very special mark on the local fashion industry!
Unfortunately, I missed the latest Lilla Stezz parade, but I had a quick chat to the super-bubbly & sweet-as-pie Erin anyway, and this is what she had to say…
Q) When did you start conjuring up your wonderful creations? Are you formally trained?
A) As soon as I left school, so two and a half years ago. I had no formal training. Mum showed me the basics and then I taught myself how to do more complicated things by altering old clothes and taking clothes apart to see how they are made.
Q) How would you describe Lilla Stezz?
A) Quirky, feminine and fun!
Q) Explain the design process. How do you come up with new designs? What inspires you?
A) Well I usually have a basic idea of what I want to do. Then I find that the ideas come to me as I go. Fabrics inspire me a lot, I always pick the fabric first and then I think of a design.
Q) Where is your clothing stocked?
A) At two shops on the Gold Coast — Love from Lucy in Burleigh Heads, and Wild Orchid in Surfers Paradise.
Q) What advice can you give to other designers hoping to break into the industry?
A) To start producing their designs. You’d be surprised how willing shop owners are to stock clothes that are hand made and unique.
Q) What’s next for Lilla Stezz?
A) More parades and hopefully to be sold in more shops!
(Photography credits: Elizabeth Walters & Jess Edwards)
Thank you so much Erin! Wishing you success, smiles & serendipity forever!
Big love,
Rach xxx
