P.E. Nation’s resort ’19 collection rocked the house at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia presentations. Designers Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning established the brand in Sydney, Australia in 2016. Since then, their range of street meets sportswear has expanded to include activewear, footwear and accessories. This year, they introduced menswear, new boxing, yoga, swim and denim capsules, with many international collaborations in the pipeline for the brand.
Given the global shift toward juggling a fast life, P.E. Nation comes from a need for multifaceted activewear. This gap in the market is what led to the two best friends with an impressive history in fashion to create P.E. Nation. They have a distinct and clear vision of the brand. Their philosophy is centered around quality design and construction. Their models were extremely talented and performed extremely well while on the runway, posing for cameras and playing to the audience. The clothes are very functional, comfortable and designed to take you from the studio to the street.
Another brand that pushed boundaries was One Teaspoon. It showed a dizzying ascent from vanguard of the local fashion scene to international success. From those iconic shorts to luxe T-shirt designs, Jamie Blakey creates clothing that is nonchalant, although it-girl in style with a twist. She draws inspiration from eclectic design and transcending trends. Each range is both edgy and wearable. Starting with a 15-piece collection, the label was an overnight success in its first season. One Teaspoon now sells in 42 countries. In the U.S., the clothes are available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Urban Outfitters.
Founded by Ainsley Hansen, head designer and creative director, Hansen & Gretel focuses on womenswear apparel and occasional leather accessories. Hansen describes the brand as “lifestyle-based.” She offers the feel of high-end luxury items in a slick interpretation of streetwear. They present a bold fusion of masculine shapes with a femme sensibility. It’s this undercurrent that spurs her constant state of evolution in style and creative vision for the brand.