BASSIKE
'THIS IS NICE’ SPEAKS WITH DEBORAH SAMS, CO-FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF BASSIKE, ABOUT THEIR RESORT 23 COLLECTION
‘This is nice’: Congratulations on your Resort 23 presentation at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week! Before we dive into the collection, can you start by giving us SOME background on Bassike and how the brand came to be?
Deborah: Thank you! Bassike launched in 2006 as a range of organic cotton wardrobe essentials, with an exclusive fabrication that is still produced in Melbourne and the hero of bassike collections today. From the beginning, our core focus was and still is to offer design-led pieces that are made with people and planet in mind. Our organic cotton jersey collection has since evolved to feature seasonal, more directional shapes and styles for men and women. Creating timeless pieces from quality fabrications that can be worn and loved forever is what we believe true sustainability looks like.
‘TIN’: This collection, Resort 23, was inspired by the ocean and the world below its surface. What made you look to the ocean and specifically the Great Barrier Reef for this collection’s inspiration?
Deborah: I am constantly inspired by the beauty in nature and our environment. This collection was borne through my fascination with life underwater, in particular the complexity and vibrancy of the ecosystem known as the Great Barrier Reef. The diversity of the species that make up the reef and the way they interact inspired the bold and contrasting colours, textures and shapes throughout the collection.
‘Tin’: I always love the prints you create, they give the feeling of both a bold statement and timelessness. Do you have a favourite print you have created?
Deborah: I always enjoy designing with print, especially for resort, so it is hard to pick a favourite! I do really love the playfulness of this season’s print. The print references the sprawling tentacles of an octopus gliding through the water. There is a light and optimistic nature to the mix of colours and styling that I have created this season – a feeling of festivity and fun.
‘tin’: Do you have a favourite piece from this collection?
Deborah: I have a very androgynous sense of style, which really comes through in our tailoring and slouch fit pants – both bassike signature styles. One of my favourite pieces from the Resort 23 collection is the new sheer knitwear pieces we’ve introduced, which I can’t wait to wear with bright contrasting jersey for a layered look.
‘tin’: Finally, what’s next for Bassike? Do you have any projects or collections coming up?
Deborah: There is no slowing down for us at bassike! We are constantly working to innovate and push the boundaries with both our design-led collections and responsible business journey.