NEW Perth fashion label Femme de Loup has a wild streak.
Cottesloe founder and designer Samantha De Sillery created the line with feminist novel Women Who Run With the Wolves in mind.
Embodying strength, love and loyalty, the female lead character builds a home for souls with the bones of a wolf; her aim to protect people and take them back to nature.
Somewhat of a fearless woman warrior herself, 23-year-old mother Samantha wants to help others connect with these powerful attributes through her garments.
Her debut collection, comprising shorts, singlets, skirts and dresses, embodies these qualities, and draws from the colours, shapes and movement of the desert.
Although having a baby at such a young age was, and still is, challenging, Samantha said her gorgeous 22-month-old daughter Allegra had given her strength and passion to pursue a career in fashion.
“She opened more doors than she shut,” she told Western Suburbs Weekly.
“I don’t believe having a kid means you have to slow down. As soon as I gave birth, I went part-time at work (Witchery clothing store in Subiaco) so I had more time to do my own work.
“Allegra loves clothing and we have fun together with it.”
Samantha said she was proud to see so many Perth designers finding success, including her talented friend, fellow former PLC student Poppy Lissiman.
“There is so much talent here,” she said.
“Perth wasn’t like this before and now it’s booming.”
Drawing on her love for op-shopping, the mother-designer wants her line to be affordable.
She’s now working on her next summer line.
- Femme de Loup is stocked at Method Clothing in Mt Lawley.