Andrew James’ newest collaboration

Posted on 31 October, 2018

Whether it’s on the runway, racecourse or down the aisle, unique headwear has become an essential part of an outfit, rather than an after-thought.

Andrew James could well be the next big thing in the millinery industry. The former “country boy” from Parkes moved to Canberra in 2005, quickly establishing a name for himself in the design realm.

Since launching his self-titled label in 2008, James’ millinery creations have appeared on runways locally and interstate, as well as editorial photo shoots.

Most recently, he’s worked on several large projects with prominent designers, performers and businesses, all of which have presented new challenges and opportunities for the designer.

“I have been fortunate enough to work alongside Camilla Frank’s styling team in her offices in Sydney,” says Andrew. “Working with the team at Camilla on the From Rio with Love campaign, I designed a collection of Andrew James original headpieces and this current range can be found online featuring Andrew James millinery.”

Andrew James (far right). Credit: Robert Coppa.

With a background in make-up and dance, Andrew says he loves the theatrical elements of millinery.

“My designs aren’t typical, nor do I want them to be,” he says. “I love the world of wearable art, a lot of fashion designers produce garments for performers or dancers as well as the everyday consumer, so I’d love to explore that route of wearable pieces, whether it be hats, headpieces or otherwise.”

Andrew says the race season is one of the busiest times for his Wright studio, where he works with around 15-20 clients at a time.

“For this years 2018/19 racing reason I have teamed up with Saloon in a collaboration extravaganza,” he says. “A new range of Andrew James original pieces have been made available through a pop-up shop within the store.”

Having collaborated with founder and owner of Saloon, Sarah Wright, for over eight years, Andrew says the two bring out the best “in each other’s talents of design, photography, makeup artistry and hair.”

“We continue to find new ways of working and creating new projects together,” he says. “Andrew James millinery is available now and will be in store [at Saloon] during Melbourne cup for makeup and millinery services.”

As for his signature style, Andrew’s creations are anything but traditional.

“I like to really tailor my designs to the individual, to spend a bit of time with them and get a sense of their style rather than making stock-standard pieces.”

Clients not only leave with a unique piece of wearable art – they carry with them an experience of creation that lasts beyond the event that brought client and artist together.

Andrew explains that his foray into millinery began in his hometown.

“I actually studied millinery in Parkes for 12 months – there was a teacher there from Europe and everything she taught me was gold,” he says.

“I’d always been pretty creative in school and loved using everyday fabrics to make something beautiful. I remember one of the first pieces I made was this beautiful red mad hatter headpiece, which I wore to the races with a three-piece suit, and I won the fashions on the field. I remember the MC being a bit shocked that a boy from the country turned up in such a bright outfit!”

After moving to Canberra, Andrew studied design at CIT as well as makeup artistry, deciding to combine the two for his business model, offering event and wedding makeup as part of his services.

“I love both makeup and design because it’s so easy to create something tangible and change it if need be,” he says.

“A big part of my business ethos is sustainability – there is so much wastage in the fashion world, so I love reinventing everyday fabrics and finding a use for everything, including the things you might usually not think to use.

“A lot of my style comes from my mum – she is from the Philippines and she is always dressed beautifully with amazing tailoring and fabrics and often shops at second-hand stores, as we both love that romance of owning something someone has once loved. She still helps me style my own wardrobe sometimes!”

For more on Andrew James visit the website.