Feature Label – Orri Henrisson

Orri’s Debut

Orri Henrisson is based out of Melbourne, Australia where its garments are proudly made. Behind the label is designer, Henry Ng, who started out in the area of graphic design, before beginning work on his own label. He started his own line as an outlet for creativity and to fill a void in the market.  The label’s debut collection is titled, “King Of Carrot Flowers”, referencing “Neutral Milk Hotel’s song of the same title.”  “It toys with the idea of whim, quirkiness and childhood reveries and these are presented through the vibrant colours, the contrast silhouettes, and the capricious graphics.”

Q & A

How did you get interested in fashion?

I think I have always had a thing for fashion. My mum used to work as a seamstress when I was a kid and although I was never interested in what she did, I was curious.

Growing up, I also had a thing for clothes. I had some pretty awful things which, I definitely would not wear now, but back then, it was a different story.

What is your fashion background?

I am actually from a Multimedia / Graphic Design background and have mostly picked up knowledge along the way since I started the label. A friend of mine does my patterns and she has absolutely played an important part in giving me ideas on fabrications, silhouette, contacts etc.

Personally, what are your own shopping habits?

In the past year or so, I have started buying most of my clothes and shoes online.  Melbourne has been praised as the fashion capital of Australia, but it is also a tiny city and have limited shopping avenues. Despite the fashion city tag, I personally find that the fashion sense here tend to steer towards looking smart, chic, and stylish, rather than having an adventurous sense. It is all about black, black and black. Black is very flattering and chic but it also allows people to be lazy.

Some of the shops which I used to love have shifted their direction to more mainstream street-wear in order to stay in business and that kind of frustrates me. There are still great shops like Alice Euphemia, but sadly, not enough to sustain my need of quirky and fanciful taste.

What designers do you like?

Eric LeBon, Henrik Vibskov, Material Boy, Ground Zero, Mjolk, Aitor Throup

How did your own line come about? Was there any hesitation to have it self-titled?

The label got started, cos I was just bored and frustrated of not being able to find anything here. I also wanted to do something creative, something challenging, something I can look back at 20 years from now and be contented even if it fails.

Orri Henrisson is actually the name of a dog I once had. Interestingly a few people have assumed that it is my name, which is great cos I think it definitely has more of a punch than mine!

What is the production process from idea to finished product?

I generally have a clear idea of what I think the end product might look like. I work with sketches, colours and details and consult my pattern maker. Sometimes what I think might work simply does not. For example, the pleated tee in this current collection was a nightmare and I nearly gave up on it. But after several samples and working with the right manufacturer, we managed to get it to look (and sit) right!

What inspired this collection?

3 words. Neutral Milk Hotel.

Any obstacles in getting your first collection out?

Trying to pitch the label to shops. It is probably the side of running a label that I do not enjoy. I was chasing up emails and phone calls with shops and really hated it. No one really wants to entertain you if they have never heard of you which makes it hard to continue with production, because no manufacturers want to produce if you are only making so few garments. Trying to work with the right people is also another issue. You really need to work with people who can convey your ideas and who are professional with what they do. Getting this first collection out has definitely taught me a few lessons about the trade.

Name a celebrity you would love to dress; name a celebrity you would close your door on.

Hot Chip. I know there is 5 of them but I think the fact that they come in different sizes, style and personalities absolutely suit what my design is all about. I am sure there are heaps of celebrities I would close my door on.

In five adjectives, describe your collection.

Quirky, playful, festive, whimsical, frivolous.

Anything else you would like to add?

If you are blonde, pasty, and skinny and can work a pose, contact me.

Pictures from Orri Henrisson

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