21 JUNE 2023
Journal
In Conversation
With Cameron Hill
A Spotlight On The Next Generation
We caught up with up-and-coming RTW Designer Cameron Hill as she presents her new collection on the 2023 AAFW Next Gen Runway.
We discussed the the design process, the ever-evolving fashion landscape and an ethos that's set to change the industry.
A Spotlight On The Next Generation
We caught up with up-and-coming RTW Designer Cameron Hill as she presents her new collection on the 2023 AAFW Next Gen Runway.
We discussed the the design process, the ever-evolving fashion landscape and an ethos that's set to change the industry.
First of all, tell us a little about yourself and what it is you do.
My name is Cameron Hill and I am an emerging Australian knitwear designer. I studied a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles at UTS and had a strong focus on knitwear exploration during my Honours - this collection put me on the map and I was featured in a series of publications. In 2022 I was a knitwear designer for Nagnata continuing to explore knitwear innovation and design, and then this year (2023) I decided to focus solely on my new knitwear collection for the Next Gen competition I won.
How does your creative process start, when planning a new collection?
My creative process always starts with a mood board, constructed of carefully curated imagery that encompass various elements of abstract art, flowers, vintage lacework, forms, textiles, bodies and colours. I use these images to evoke a specific mood, sensation or feeling and use that almost as a guide throughout the development of the collection. During the early stages of the collection's development, I invest a significant amount of time in creating knit swatches of various designs, yarn compositions, colours and textures. This process allows me to experiment with different combinations and techniques, helping me determine which elements best encapsulate the overall mood of the collection. Working with these swatches provides me with a tangible representation of my ideas which I then start to piece together with silhouettes like a puzzle, this process can be both fun and overwhelming.
Pictured: The Vikina Ankle Boot in White
Pictured: The Loxton Heel in Silverware
Pictured: The Vikina Ankle Boot in White
Pictured: The Loxton Heel in Silverware
"Allowing myself the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them is an essential part of my creative process."
"Allowing myself the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them is an essential part of my creative process."
As a heritage brand, we understand the importance of a signature fabric – can you tell us how knitwear became yours?
I was drawn to knitwear because of its innate potential for textile innovation and the endless possibilities it offers for creative expression. The tactile nature of knitwear allows me to experiment with intricate lacework, various design techniques, and unique manipulations that challenge traditional knitting methods. I'm fascinated by the idea of pushing the boundaries of what knitwear can be and how it can transform our perceptions of fashion. The combinations of design, colour, and yarn compositions are virtually limitless, I’m continually playing and discovering how various materials can be combined to create innovative and unconventional knitwear. I believe in embracing the element of playfulness and the joy of "happy accidents" that can occur when working with knitwear. Allowing myself the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them is an essential part of my creative process. This approach helps me uncover unexpected techniques and design elements that can then be incorporated into my work, contributing to a truly unique and distinctive aesthetic. Ultimately, my passion for knitwear is driven by a desire to innovate, push boundaries, and continually explore new horizons within the realm of textile design. It’s important within my design practice to stay curious, open-minded, and committed to the experimentation.
Pictured: The Katalina Sandal in White
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Last year, our stylist showed us your collection and we fell in love and ended up featuring a few pieces in our AW/22 campaign. How does it feel seeing your pieces in adverts and campaigns?
Seeing my designs featured in adverts and campaigns is what I dreamed of when studying at UTS, little did I know I was going to be featured in Wittner’s AW/22 campaign, or in any of the big magazine publications such as Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Australia. It still feels like a pinch me moment. I’m always in awe of seeing my knitwear come to life in such unique and beautiful ways through creative teams who put their spin on it. It’s really exciting being in such a creative industry, constantly collaborating with other Australian brands and creatives is a true blessing and I’m very grateful for the opportunities that present themselves!
The models walked the runway in Wittner, why did you choose to partner with us?
It was a natural choice to partner with Wittner, I loved how my previous knitwear collection was styled in the AW/22 campaign, so it made perfect sense to collaborate again for the runway show! For my collection, the shoe styling was just as important as any other detail, I had a very particular look I was going for that would speak into this softening of traditional businesswear whilst being a little messy and sexy. I envisioned a sleek kitten heel and some buckled boots that would add the perfect touch of sophistication to the knitwear and silk pieces, Wittner had 4 styles that I felt beautifully complimented the collection and more specifically the knitted leg warmers they were styled with. I’m so grateful that Wittner wanted to partner with me for the runway show as I felt like they understood my creative vision and wanted to support me in creating a strong and cohesive runway collection, an absolute pleasure working together and I look forward to any future collaborations that may continue!
Pictured: The Katalina Sandal in White
Last year, our stylist showed us your collection and we fell in love and ended up featuring a few pieces in our AW/22 campaign. How does it feel seeing your pieces in adverts and campaigns?
Seeing my designs featured in adverts and campaigns is what I dreamed of when studying at UTS, little did I know I was going to be featured in Wittner’s AW/22 campaign, or in any of the big magazine publications such as Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Australia. It still feels like a pinch me moment. I’m always in awe of seeing my knitwear come to life in such unique and beautiful ways through creative teams who put their spin on it. It’s really exciting being in such a creative industry, constantly collaborating with other Australian brands and creatives is a true blessing and I’m very grateful for the opportunities that present themselves!
The models walked the runway in Wittner, why did you choose to partner with us?
It was a natural choice to partner with Wittner, I loved how my previous knitwear collection was styled in the AW/22 campaign, so it made perfect sense to collaborate again for the runway show! For my collection, the shoe styling was just as important as any other detail, I had a very particular look I was going for that would speak into this softening of traditional businesswear whilst being a little messy and sexy. I envisioned a sleek kitten heel and some buckled boots that would add the perfect touch of sophistication to the knitwear and silk pieces, Wittner had 4 styles that I felt beautifully complimented the collection and more specifically the knitted leg warmers they were styled with. I’m so grateful that Wittner wanted to partner with me for the runway show as I felt like they understood my creative vision and wanted to support me in creating a strong and cohesive runway collection, an absolute pleasure working together and I look forward to any future collaborations that may continue!
"Bring with you a passion for positive change, a deeper understanding of the impact fashion has on our world, and create hope for a more sustainable and responsible future."
"Bring with you a passion for positive change, a deeper understanding of the impact fashion has on our world, and create hope for a more sustainable and responsible future."
What advice would you give to the next generation looking to start a brand or find a career in fashion?
I can see that there is this growing awareness amongst both designers and consumers of the importance of understanding the process behind how clothing is made, from sourcing materials to the craftsmanship involved, it’s starting to foster a more conscious approach to fashion. I’m starting to see emerging designers move away from fast fashion trends and towards timeless, well-made pieces. It’s important to keep the focus on thoughtfully designed and curated collections, and producing smaller runs of clothing that prioritise quality and longevity over mass production. I can already see that the new generation of designers, myself included, are driven by passion, purpose, and a deep love for the art of fashion.
Pictured: The Vita Heel in Silverware
Pictured: The Loxton Heel in Silverware
FEATURED DESIGNER
CAMERON HILL
PHOTOGRAPHER
AMANDA GOOCH, ANDREW DONATO, MADDISON WOOLLARD & SAM CLARE
STYLIST
JOEL PICCININI
MENTIONS
AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK, AFTERPAY, IMG MANAGEMENT & DHL EXPRESS
Pictured: The Vita Heel in Silverware
Pictured: The Loxton Heel in Silverware