Alice McCall

Brand Profile

Australian designer Alice McCall has made her mark in the international fashion world today as a designer, selling in over 165 stores in 10 countries, showing at both London and Australian Fashion weeks. The dynamic designer hit the UK fashion scene 10 years ago spending 2 years at MTV London styling the Stylissimo series and the presenter, then styled Natalie Imbruglia for Dazed and Confused Magazine with photographer Rankin. Alice worked with Natalie for the next two years from the launch of Torn styling major press shoots, videos and public performances, creating a look that helped launch a style icon of the time.

Alice then pursued a freelance career as a stylist working with the likes of Kelis, Destiny’s Child , Blondie and Marianne Faithful as well as International Advertising campaigns for Levi’s, Nike and Rimmel. Still in London she started making one-off luxury silk tops and 50’s style customized dresses that were sold through iconic London boutiques Pinneal Eye, Euphoria and Wink and snapped up by the likes of Kate Moss and London stylist Katie England. The eminent cross over from Stylist to Designer began.

A chance meeting with sass & bide’s Heidi Middleton and Sarah Jane Clarke led to the girls flying Alice back to Australia to design for the label starting at the beginning of 2003. There she played an integral role working on sass & bide collections designing for London Fashion Week 03 and New York Fashion Week 04, creating not only one off show pieces but also the top sellers of these collections.

The alice McCALL label was launched at Australian Fashion Week 04 receiving critical acclaim, and is now based in Surry Hills, Sydney. The label, which combines elements of tender girlish charm and bohemian flare all mixed up with a bit of rock and roll, has garnered devotees around the world. Fans of Alice McCall include Jools Oliver, Natalie Imbruglia, Diane Kruger and Chloe Sevigny who have all been photographed in Alice’s clothes.

Spring/Summer 2011 collection

Cat Of The Duchess evokes a romantic and decadent world of modern opulence. This season alice McCALL offers a unique take on the sophistication of the 70's that maintains the relaxed bohemian eminence that is so much a part of her signature. Cat Of The Duchess invites us to a decadent Parisian era and the rock of bohemia that have always been a part of the label’s world.  

The rich scent of blood oranges, peppermints and peony blooms are freshened by the charming whites sprinkled throughout. Hidden in the garden is the cat of the Duchess in a cluster of flowers, a signature print cut into dreamy pleated dresses, skirts and camisoles. Crochet cotton cropped tops and shift dresses hint at hand made linens. The loving labour of handcrafted krowang, embroidery and appliqué lend each piece a special charm.

Beautiful broderie anglaise freshen up silhouettes’ of shorts, blouses and dresses. Contrast dry waffle knits carve full circle skirts and body con dresses. Polka dot tulle panels subtly suggest themselves in pretty floating dresses, camisoles, and at the knees of palazzo panted "Little Love in your Heart" jumpsuit. Rosebud silks whisper around the legs with the feel of 1920s lingerie.

Elaborate designs taken from antique china patterns contour the body in delicate ribbon scrolls. Krowang airbrushed cranes take flight in soft grey skies, pepped up with peppermint and spiced with a hint of washed apricot. 

The Duchess; sash in hair and rosy cheeked, announces herself on "Barefootin'" t'shirt dresses with contrast stripe back, again hinting at an early and elegantly eccentric Parisian time. Washed spot denim pieces with contrast white collars and waistbands add a girlish charm and innocence that is part schoolgirl. Cut into shirting, little dresses and skirts provide the perfect foil for the floaty femininity of the softer silks and chiffons. High waisted shorts in silks, as well as more structured tailoring bring a refined balance to the loose silhouettes of seventies bohemia. These cleaner lines lead into relaxed basics with a modern 70s sports luxe edge, finished off with gold toggle tassel ties.

This SS11 season is at once a sense of nostalgia and youthful exuberance for which alice McCALL has been known for over the years. With numerous collections, runway shows and collaborations now under her belt, Alice McCall has been unwavering her vision, consistently through creative collections that not only ensure the ongoing success of her label, but guarantee the pleasure of a large band of followers across the globe.