The untold story of Melbourne Designer Aron Katona and his latest collection “Atomiq” presenting at this year’s Melbourne Fashion Festival’s ARTZ program is sure to again be one of conversation amongst the fashion savvy, as Aron again shows us his “artistic genius” as a fashion creative and leader in the industry.
Whilst Aron is known for his outrageous designs and prints as well as dressing the housewives of Melbourne and socialite Brynne Edelston. He is also recognised as a mentor to those entering the fashion industry. Aron Katona embraces the power to support and showcase emerging designers and talent as they present their own independent runways as part of the Aron Katona ARTZ program.
Up close and personal with Aron Katona
Please tell us about the new collection and the inspiration behind the design process?
The new collection is called “Atomiq” and was inspired by the events of 2020 and has a post-apocalyptic feel to it. I remember feeling like I wish I could create clothes that protected people from what felt like an apocalypse at the time. That’s where the inspiration for metallics came from.
Has Covid 19 played a role in your designing when creating this collection?
Absolutely. It almost entirely inspired my new collection for MFF 2021. To be completely transparent my spirit broke in the second lockdown and it forced me to rethink what was important to me and what wasn’t. I felt if I ever got to showcase in MFF again I would give it absolutely everything I had and would push myself to the limits. I didn’t want to disappoint people who buy my designs.
What is your favourite piece in the collection and why?
I think my favourite piece in the collection is one that Krista Vendy will be wearing because it’s the design where I pushed myself the most and was out of my comfort zone experimenting with a new shape. I also deliberately made the arms look like wings to symbolise the freedom of being able to be back on the runway again after 2020.
Metallics are a key trend for A/W 2021 please tell us about the metallics in this collection and what you love most about working with this fabric?
Metallics are immensely popular this season. The reason I chose metallics for my collection is I remember wanting to be somewhere in the future, where we were all safe from the pandemic and so I wanted to add a futuristic element to the collection. The fabric is fun to work with as it’s great to mould around women’s bodies. It also gives the illusion of armour.
Skulls and your own signature print are also featured in this collection. Why are these fabrications important to this collection?
The skull and diamond print were especially important to this collection because of the symbolism and meaning behind it. I designed them last year at a time when I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to be able to do another collection again. The skulls represent change and renewal, the letting go of our lives as we knew it before to make way for something better. The diamonds represent our inner courage and strength because diamonds can. Only form under the highest pressure. I wanted to convert courage and strength whilst also designing something fun.
Your name and your status have become influential as much loved Melbourne Designer; how does this make you feel?
Overwhelmed and incredibly grateful. To be honest, all I ever really wanted was to have a place in people’s hearts, everything else is a bonus.
What do you love most about Melbourne Fashion Festival?
I love that it brings the creative community together and it pushes people to challenge themselves and their limits. I love how it summons us to bring out the absolute best in ourselves creatively and makes me think outside the box.
Words by Aron Katona
Interview by Melinda Sullivan
For more please visit https://melbournefashionfestival.com.au/event/fashion/artz
Photo credits for Brynne, Cherry, Krista, and Aron Katona: Photographer: Greg Desiatov
Hair and makeup artist: ArtistHDMakeup Simone Clarke
Photo credits for Anjali Rao: Photographer: Stan Traianedes Hair and makeup artist: ArtistHDMakeup Simone Clarke
