Set for summer: The creators behind new label Pasduchas, Alicia Arcuri (left) and Katie McVeigh. Picture: Jane Dyson
FORMER fashion students now business partners, Katie McVeigh and Alicia Arcuri, have combined their design vision and launched a label — just in time for the sunny days ahead.
Together they are Pasduchas, pronounced ‘‘par-doo-shar’’, and it has been a 12-month project that is finally making its mark.
St George College graduate Katie, 27, of Caringbah, and Alicia, 29, who studied at Ultimo TAFE, teamed up on the brand after they met up working in the retail industry.
Describing the label as ‘‘polished bohemian flair and feminine modernity’’, the friends tailor their creative ideas around a muse who is ‘‘well travelled, free spirited and liberated’’.
‘‘We love Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s style,’’ Katie said.
‘‘Also Nicole Ritchie and Rachel Zoe’s looks, not messy or grungy but more refined,’’ Alicia said.
Their other influences, including Maurie & Eve and Bec & Bridge, have led to their debut spring collection, ‘‘Yielding Drifter’’, which is stocked at Meet That Store, Cronulla.
Think blended textural elements of leather and silk.
The upcoming Summer 2013 range — Illuminescent Sunrise — brings Hawaiian colours such as papaya with crisp white and sharp metallic detail.
Recently shot at Camellia Gardens, Caringbah, the range is due to hit stores in late October.
‘‘We try to maintain trend, but keep it in our vibe and flavour,’’ Katie said.
Alicia said: ‘‘Majority of the designs are Australian made, which is better quality and gives us more control.’’
Priced between $150 and $320, the garments will soon be available online. Details: Pasduchas on Facebook or see more at: http://www.pasduchas.com.au/
Grads on show
SYDNEY’S new fashion event, Australian Graduates Fashion Week, will be on November 24-25. The event will bring together fashion school graduates from TAFE, universities, colleges and other institutions, and will give them a platform to start their fashion careers. Registrations: agfw.com.au.
Indy comp
CASEY Boonstra, 20, of Cronulla is a finalist in the 2012 Miss Indy contest. After four heats during August, Casey was the winner of the grand final at Northies, Cronulla, last week, September 7.