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There’s nothing like recapturing a treasured childhood memory and Melbourne jewellery designer Alicia does exactly that with her creative collection Drink me, Alice . Voted ‘Best Accessories Designer’ at the 2008 2Threads Australian Fashion Awards and inspired by the timeless tale Alice in Wonderland, the label’s necklaces, brooches, earrings, cufflinks and rings take a trip down the rabbit hole, bringing back to reality an array of vintage inspired designs.

How did the label initially come about?
It started by accident I suppose, I wanted to recreate a necklace I’d seen in a vintage store and went through many processes… when I started working with the resin I got great feedback from family and friends and it grew from there!

Has it been a challenging journey?
Yes, when you get thrust into something very quickly you have to learn a lot fast.

What does the future hold for the label?
2009 is going to be very exciting for drink me, alice! There are a few tricks up the magician’s sleeve, so to speak.

What inspired the latest collection?
Because I use vintage art I don’t really release collections typical to most designers. But I am always stumbling upon amazing drawings of birds, so the last range that came out had many different bird designs! One day someone will say “no more birds!” but how can you say no when they’re so sweet?

What trends will the winter 09 seasons bring?
Gothic, fantasy and otherworldly delights!

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
As a self confessed internet geek, I love fashion forums, reading style blogs and shopping online.

What’s your favourite place in Sydney?
I came to Sydney for the very first time to attend the 2threads Awards Party! I did a lot of dorky touristy stuff while I was visiting, but I loved shopping at The Strand the best. For a shopping mall it has such beautiful old worldly character, a real quaintness.

How would your friends describe you?
They said I am quirky, creative and stylish. Aww shucks!

If you could work with any designer, who would it be?
Drink me, alice’s aesthetics rest heavily in the feminine and sweet, so I think it would be fun to work with a designer who appeals to the other side of my personal aesthetic, which is quite dark and almost androgynous. I would love to see how that would mix! So I would choose a designer like Ben Pollitt of Friedrich Gray. Call me Ben, we could make magic!

What advice would you give to designers just starting out?
Stay true to your design direction. It’s easy to want to change or go to a different place because someone else says so, but it’s super important to remain authentic or you will end up hating what you do.

How did it feel being a winner at the 2Threads fashion awards?
I still have butterflies! It’s been very humbling, but also a beautiful reminder of how much possibility there is for the label and for the future. And very encouraging, because it gives you the confidence to know there is an entire community of people who are supporting you.

What do you like most about 2Threads?
It’s a dedicated fashion and style COMMUNITY. And that it is Australian. I get so excited when I find out things I love are home-grown!

What has been the outcome following the 2Threads fashion awards for you?
Right now I am super excited to get into the studio with the lovely photographers at Studio3 and shoot our first catalogue!

Rainbow pegasus cameo

To check out the entire collection visit  www.drinkmealice.com.au