She’s a LADY, and she’s ours.

She’s a LADY, and she’s ours.
By Rosanna Stevens.

Throughout the decades, songwriters have hit home with lyrics that entice the listener to think ‘I know, man, and I understand’. The 1970’s song ‘Pure Imagination’ from film ‘Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory’ was never supposed to be one of those home-hitting tunes.

It seems, however, that Victoria-based label ‘LADY’s boutique on Flinders Lane, with it’s store-centred staircase leading to no-where, it’s white walls, hand-detailed with whimsical and abstract silhouettes by Eveline Tarunadjaja, spray-painted lace floor, and change-room curtains adorned with large lavender bows, indeed creates a world of ‘pure imagination’ for the passer-by to taste. ‘We’re currently browsing at bird-cages, which we’ll hang about the store to add to the doll-house feel’ adds co-owner and Head Designer Petrova Hammond, gesturing toward the window of the boutique, as she scans her surreal-scape.

Better yet, the contents of LADY’s store is infinitely more delectable than a novelty gummy bear, sugared daffodil cups, or large cream-filled mushrooms grown on Wonka Astroturf. LADY’s beautifully crafted collections combine a ‘17th century fine art approach with a Studio 54 mentality’ as Skye and Petrova explain it. Their Spring/Summer range, ‘Glass Flowers’, soon to be featured at Sydney Fashion Week, epitomises this eclectic theme, and furthermore draws inspiration from the exquisite and delicate ‘Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants’ at Harvard Museum.

Originally working as Head Designer and Visual Merchandiser for a leading Melbourne-based label, Petrova Hammond and Skye Leigh Vallve eventually broke free from artistic restriction (a.k.a. working for The Beast). Using their mutual love of unique designs, formidable fabrics, and undeniably wicked tastes, the petite two have flung themselves deep into the fashion capitol of Australia. One of their most outstanding trademarks is LADY’s use of fine-quality vintage materials, resulting in the production of some fifteen one-of-a-kind dresses, rather than a few heartless hundred.

Particular standouts in the up-and-coming range are a deep-navy silk dress, featuring a bodice that A-lines from its neckpiece, and pockets (extremely useful when going out, don’t you think?), and a waist-gathered, lace number, with a broad neckline framed by a purple or black ribbon, and darling frills embellishing both the neck and short-sleeves. The range also features a waisted lavender skirt, pastel shorts, and simple, raised-neck, short-sleeved blouses. Keep an eye out for these girls and their LADY.

Always on the hunt for new stockists, you can currently find LADY at the following stores;
LADY - shop 3, 237 Flinders Lane (Scott Alley) Melbourne
Victor Bold & The Princess - Newcastle N.S.W
Mixed Lollies - N.T
White Lily - Mt Isa - QLD
La Petite Boutique - QLD
Ruby & Rogue - ACT