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Melbourne-based design label Verduci-Smith made its mark on the catwalk at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney this year. From the moment the doors of The Studio opened, beautiful young things milled around the catwalk and a mood of anticipation filled the air. Cue mellow lights, big hair and a collection of timeless, elegant pieces - Verduci-Smith had arrived.
 
For sisters Michelle and Jo, the creative force behind the label, the show was their second appearance at the exclusive, industry-only event, and an opportunity to showcase their Spring Summer 2008/09 collection to some of the most significant members of the international fashion pack.
 
The range follows Verduci-Smith’s theme of strong femininity, blended with subtle luxurious touches and whimsical detailing. Grecian inspired gowns and flowing kaftans paraded down the catwalk, in a soft palette of dove greys and shimmering neutrals.
 
The glamorous audience applauded the collection’s focus on modest dressing, with nipped in waists and floor length gowns proving that simple lines and classic sophistication are always in vogue.
 
The emerging designer duo had a ball – “We had a great time! It was so nice to see all our other designer friends in Sydney as we were all based at The Westin.”

B&L: How did Verduci - Smith get started?

VS: On a buying trip to India for our jewellery business we were inspired by the landscape and vivid colours and decided then to start our own clothing range.

B&L: What is it like workly so closely as sisters?

VS: It is good to have someone to bounce ideas off, and share the workload with.  Although we're sisters we do have different ideas and I think we both bring different elements to our designs which make for an interesting mix.

B&L: How would you describe fashion in Melbourne?

VS: Fashion in Melbourne is great.  People here have a real sense of style.  I think Melbourne girls are some of the best dressed women in the world.  They really appreciate style and design.

B&L: How did it feel showing your range at the RAFW?

VS: It's always great to show at Fashion Week.  There is a great buzz in the city and it is a great opportunity to meet with people from both interstate and overseas.

B&L: How would you describe your latest collection?

VS: Our latest collection is very feminine.  We have focused on beautiful cuts and fabrics.  Our print this season is the Nordic print, which is subtle yet very elegant.

B&L: Where do you get your inspiration?

VS: We get our inspiration from beautiful fabrics, prints and also from the cities we visit around the world.

B&L: Have you always wanted to work in fashion?

VS: We have definitely always been involved in fashion, our grandmothers were seamstresses and were excellent at beading and embroidery.  I think that is where our passion has stemmed from.

B&L: What's next for Verduci-Smith?

VS: We definitely plan on expanding our stockists worldwide and have recently been stocked by several international stores.

B&L: Where can we buy your collection?

VS: VS is stocked throughout Australia and in Dubai, Hong Kong and Indonesia.  We are also stocked online at www.leblackbook.com

B&L: Who are your role models?

VS: Our role models include those women that are icons of their time, who represent all that is strong yet feminine - Jackie Onassis, Catherine Deneuve, etc.

B&L: What does being a woman mean to you?

VS: Being a woman means relishing all that is different from men: Our bodies, our beauty in all its forms, our minds, our femininity, our strength, our passions and our creative and artistic souls.

Our roles as nurturers and leaders and our belief that the only limit to what we can do are those limits we place upon ourselves.