Hailing from Australia is Neo Dia, a young fashion label helmed by the creative Becky Chua and Gavin Lowes who have drawn Frank Gehry and Bauhaus as their source of inspiration. Sharp, geometric garments with pleated details define their recent collection, and the use of translucent fabric create a layered depth reminiscent of Lyonel Feininger‘s paintings.
Neo Dia‘s other half, Becky Chua, graciously offered to answer a few questions for Pleat Farm on the beginnings of the label, their design interests, inspirations and aspirations. Have a read below:
Could you tell us about your background, and how Neo Dia got its start?
We both studied fashion in RMIT Australia and throughout the course we always worked very closely together. Our aesthetics and ideas became so intertwined, that after we graduated, the idea of starting a label together was simply impossible to resist!
Neo Dia comes from the words “Neo” meaning “new” and “Dia” coming from the word “Diametric” refering to lines and shapes. Our labels core vision and aesthetic is “New Line and Shapes”. However, many have interpreted Neo Dia to mean a “New Day” for fashion and this description empowers us to continue to push and stretch the boundaries of our label.
What are your key sources of inspiration for the label?
Most of our key sources from inspiration comes from art, architecture and academics; such as maths and science. However, for our second collection we were also inspired by structures created in music! For example, Our collection Rhythmic Algorithm is based the theory of rhythm, which is “the pattern of recurrent strong and weak accents” and the structure and mathematical beauty of graphs.
Any interesting materials/techniques/narratives that you are currently interested in?
We use a lot of cotton organdy and silk organza in our collections. This is because we love the stiffness and malleability these fabrics give to our garments and it allows us to explore geometric shapes, folding and origami.
We spend alot of time searching for unique and quality fabrics. Recently we have been sourcing and experimenting with silk velvet, sheer wools and leather. Using high quality and natural fabrics is very important to us.
Where are you looking to take the label in the future?
We will definitely continuing to collaborate with more artists, jewelery designers, photographers and videographers. We love working with other creative and inspiring people and collaborating on new pieces in video, photography and art. Also, following our invitation to show our collection in Amsterdam, want to expand further into Europe and hopefully participate in other events around the world.
Huge thanks to Neo Dia for the Q&A session and the gorgeous images! I’m totally looking forward to their future collections.
Photography: Philip Papadis + Daniel Archer
Stylist: Jam Baylon
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I am so excited to see Neo Dia find international exposure, They are light years ahead of most other Australian designers, Neo Dia, have their own inspiration, they are not forced to follow the trends of europe , so to make a sale in their home country like their contemporaries .