” I basically get my inspiration from anything and everything, whether thats an orange peel in a trash bin, a scrap of insulation on the sidewalk, an elevator button, a big mac meal, or a sign in a supermarket.”

Melbourne based Alexandra Louise Champion Hackett alias A.L.C.H. is the first one out of three designers that we have picked to have a closer look at; all of them taking part at the FIER vitrine SS15 Designer Exhibition Party that will take place during Berlin Fashion Week on July 8, 2014 at Lehrter Siebzehn location. So we wanted to know from Alexandra about the motivation to start her own label and her expectations about coming to Berlin for the first time…

To do your own label requires a lot of strength and courage. When and how did you decide that this is what you wanted to do with your life?
It was only recently that I actually thought about having my own label, when I realised that I didn’t enjoy the idea of conforming or restricting my design ideas to another label.I haven’t really launched my label as yet, however I’m in the process of considering the practicality of starting one – considering most of my designs aren’t really commercially viable (that’s the whole fun of it though).

Does the place where you come from inspire your work?
Yes and no – I’m inspired by my surroundings but it’s not really location-specific.

What drives you to create a new collection?
Fabrication. I basically get my inspiration from anything and everything, whether thats an orange peel in a trash bin, a scrap of insulation on the sidewalk, an elevator button, a big mac meal, or a sign in a supermarket.

How does a normal day in your working space look like?
Incredibly hectic. I don’t think there’s ever a day when I don’t publicly announce that I’m stressed. If I’m not slaving over a uni assignments or at work (I work retail at Nike), I’m working on some sort of capsule collection for a collaboration.

You will show your latest collection at the FIER vitrine SS15 in Berlin. When you think of Berlin, what are the first associations you have with this city?
I’ve never been to Berlin before so I’m basically a rookie. All I know is that it’s apparently the unorthodox fashion capital, so it sounds right up my alley.

If you wouldn´t be a fashion designer what else can you imagine to do?
There’s nothing else I can imagine myself doing to be honest.

If you had a year off from work: what would you do?
I don’t think I could ever take a year off work. My brain is way too active for that.

The craziest thing you ever did… 
That’s a hard question because I don’t think I’m that crazy, but a lot of people would think making lingerie about of banana peels or tracksuits out of NASA space foil is pretty crazy. Each to their own I suppose.

@sheniquadoezinstagram
www.a-l-c-h.com

Photography: Jordan Drysdale
Models: Lewi Gillman, Jesse Demon and Rory Donegan