Q&A: SOSUME
A cheeky riposte to being denied the rights to his originally hoped-for name, the moniker SOSUME (as in, so sue me) conveniently by-passed the need for stern legal letters and allowed designer Alex Trimmer to focus on creating luxurious jersey separates. With the AW11 collection now in stores, HowBigIsYourEco figured the time was right to grab a few moments with Trimmer…
Tell us about the new collection…The AW11 Collection is about wearable, structured outerwear with beautifully soft cardigan and basics. I explored using contrasting fabrics such as the emu leather detail with organic wool and raw silk. I love the difference of these materials.
There’s always a strong aesthetic link from one collection to the next, isn’t there?
Spot on! I feel that each collection is a progression of the next. That isn’t to say that you can’t do anything spontaneous but it’s important for me to allow customers to add to their wardrobe, rather than replace. I look forward to injecting subtle colour soon.
Spot on! I feel that each collection is a progression of the next. That isn’t to say that you can’t do anything spontaneous but it’s important for me to allow customers to add to their wardrobe, rather than replace. I look forward to injecting subtle colour soon.
So how would you describe your design philosophy?
Wearable wardrobe staples for women designed with the highest integrity in regards to fabrication and make. The idea was to show that you don’t have to sacrifice style, make, feel, quality in order to wear something “green”.
Wearable wardrobe staples for women designed with the highest integrity in regards to fabrication and make. The idea was to show that you don’t have to sacrifice style, make, feel, quality in order to wear something “green”.
Fabrics are obviously important to you…
Crucial—I spend a lot of time searching all over the world. I’ve sourced fabrics from the US, Korea, India, Italy and Australia but predominantly its Japan and France. It really depends on the season.
Crucial—I spend a lot of time searching all over the world. I’ve sourced fabrics from the US, Korea, India, Italy and Australia but predominantly its Japan and France. It really depends on the season.
What do you most like working with?
Micro modal is the main fabric that runs from season to season but I also use anything from 100% certified organic wool to 100% raw silk and small bits of emu leather for detail.
Micro modal is the main fabric that runs from season to season but I also use anything from 100% certified organic wool to 100% raw silk and small bits of emu leather for detail.
How much organics do you use?Most of the outerwear is organic materials but I use mainly natural man-made cellulose fibres. These have been around for a few decades but the benefits are only now starting to be realised. Organic fabrics are great because you’re guaranteed that there have been no chemicals used and these man-made cellulose fibres are great because they have been developed with the environment in mind, that is, water usage and chemical runoffs have been considered in their development.
You’re a big advocate of Australian made…
I like to make everything in Melbourne because of quality control and flexibility. I see my manufacturers every week whether it is for sampling or checking in on production schedules and it allows me to understand any issues they may be having first hand. Flexibility in this industry is critical—by manufacturing in Melbourne, I can make any changes I need quickly and accurately. Not to mention retaining Australian jobs and its manufacturing industry.
I like to make everything in Melbourne because of quality control and flexibility. I see my manufacturers every week whether it is for sampling or checking in on production schedules and it allows me to understand any issues they may be having first hand. Flexibility in this industry is critical—by manufacturing in Melbourne, I can make any changes I need quickly and accurately. Not to mention retaining Australian jobs and its manufacturing industry.
It’s not necessarily the easiest or cheapest option, though, is it?Well I haven’t had the option of manufacturing overseas. I know for a fact that it is definitely more expensive but I think my customer appreciates and accepts it. I cant really say if it’s easier to manufacturer overseas as I’ve never done it but on the face of it, it seems harder as you have zero control once your order is placed. I’ve investigated it but don’t think I will ever leave Australia—I find relationships are key to anything in life, not just in business and this industry.
So who is the SOSUME woman?SOSUME’s woman is intelligent, beautiful, determined, and conscious of her purchase decisions. She is aware of her environment and cares for all components. She may be married or single, with a family or none but she always looks the part, feels relaxed yet empowered by her wardrobe and virtues.
Got a high-rotation, must-have piece AW11?
My favourite piece is the Long Coat. It’s made from 100% certified organic wool with 100% cupro lining. The detail on the pockets is emu leather and the buttons are sourced from Italy and are metal, but lightweight. I love the way the coat falls and how it looks when opened and in movement—the splits up the side and back allow the coat to open fully.
My favourite piece is the Long Coat. It’s made from 100% certified organic wool with 100% cupro lining. The detail on the pockets is emu leather and the buttons are sourced from Italy and are metal, but lightweight. I love the way the coat falls and how it looks when opened and in movement—the splits up the side and back allow the coat to open fully.
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