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The established path to fashion success, unless you’re an athlete, rapper, rock star or their offspring, involves flogging your wares at markets, online, student runway shows and small boutiques until being squeezed onto racks alongside bigger names. With her debut collection of refined tailoring and inventive knitwear, Melbourne designer Natasha Gordon has taken the express lane with her label Clea.
The official launch of Clea is weeks away but Gordon’s entire range has been ordered by David Jones for its upcoming autumn season, lock, stock and blazer. The closest Clea will come to a market stall is pride of place in the Gala Runway for the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, at the Queen Victoria Market on March 3.
Designer Natasha Gordon’s (left) label Clea will make its runway debut at the Queen Victoria Market as part of the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival after being snapped up by David Jones.. Model Benn Hebbard wears Clea.Credit:Simon Schluter
“It’s the first time I’ve seen a debut collection of this standard,” said Bridget Veals, general manager of womenswear at David Jones. “When you see something brand new, generally just bits and pieces stand out. New designers are usually finding their feet. It’s rare to find something so controlled.”
For Veals the muted palette of neutral tones, soft greens and ivory showcased an elevated level of taste, explored through felted wool, soft suiting and pieces that slotted into the post-lockdown workwear landscape. “It made me want to wear a suit again,” she said.
The recipient of such high praise and commercial confidence has spent a decade toiling and making toiles for major brands since graduating from RMIT’s fashion program. Patience and persistence has failed to diminish the novelty of instant success.
“Receiving the call about David Jones was a pinch-me moment,” Gordon said. “It’s happened faster than I initially thought, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I have had 10 years experience in the industry, and it was time to put myself out there.”
Gordon’s creativity was nurtured with an internship in London working for designer Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen and her commercial approach honed in the polyester trenches of Witchery. When work evaporated alongside COVID-19 restrictions, Gordon decided to fulfil her childhood ambition and create a brand.
“It has taken me 12 months but if you had told me a year ago that I would be in David Jones and preparing for the runway I wouldn’t believe it. I’m incredibly proud and humble.”