Gwendolynne Burkin and Richard Nylon make an enviable team at Melbourne, reports Natalie Khoo

PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE AUTHOR

HE TEN-YEAR-LONG FRIENDSHIP between Melbourne-based pals Gwendolynne Burkin and Richard Nylon has certainly produced one of the finest works of art in our time: the fashion label for women, Gwendolynne.
   As part of Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, these two best friends celebrated Gwendolynne’s latest signature collection on the night of Wednesday, November 12 at Federation Square. Gwendolynne, who first met Richard when she was a pattern-maker for Bettina Liano,

Backstage, there were gasps of awe and amazement at the incredible individuality of every single piece of clothing

creates the amazingly elegant clothes that he miraculously finishes with his second-to-none millinery skills.
   The show was based on the famous Parisian, Alice Ernestine Prin, otherwise known by her stage name, Kiki of Montparnasse, who was an impoverished illegitimate child who grew up to become a nightclub singer, model, actress and painter. The music was slow, and the atmosphere created was based on melancholy 1920s’ glamour.
   The garments were collected before the show for the crew to become familiar with and organize them into running order. Backstage, there were gasps of awe and amazement at the incredible individuality of every single piece of clothing. For the show, Gwendolynne presented a showcase of French lace, Italian wool, silk jacquard, wool jersey, herringbone, fine stripe, embroidery and hand beading. Her outfits were strong and feminine, with elegance being Gwendolynne’s key word.
   Much care had to be taken when preparing the garments for show, as the attention to detail in Gwendolynne’s clothes is absolutely flawless. Previously a pattern-maker, her cuts are immaculate and each piece fits the female form like an absolute charm.

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