Not many designers debut their launch collection at New York Fashion Week. In 2019, House of Campbell’s creative director, Abby Potter, did just that.
House of Campbell has been in growth mode ever since, appearing digitally at Australian Fashion Week during COVID, releasing a second collection, Reverie, and featuring in British Vogue three times this year alone. We caught up with Abby to talk modern femininity, escapism in fashion and how her grandmother inspired her to create her label.
House of Campbell celebrates modern femininity. Why is this important?
My family is very female dominant and there are a lot of strong forces around me. They helped me embrace what I think modern femininity is and what it means to me – being a strong woman and having opinions while having fun with fashion and enjoying it.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection, Reverie?
Reverie means to daydream; the collection is inspired by the beginning of the pandemic when I was turning to movies like Marie Antoinette and old Australian Ballet recordings for escapism.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection, Reverie?
Reverie means to daydream; the collection is inspired by the beginning of the pandemic when I was turning to movies like Marie Antoinette and old Australian Ballet recordings for escapism.
Do you think fashion is tied to an element of escapism?
I think so. We’ve seen it throughout history – look at the 1920s, when women started wearing straight silhouettes and cutting their hair. They were trying to bring a masculine edge into fashion and reflect the environment at the time.
House of Campbell is a tribute to your grandmother, Annie Campbell. How has she inspired your label?
My grandma is one of my best friends. It was really difficult for her when she moved here from post-war Glasgow. A neighbour gifted her a Singer sewing machine and it became her outlet. She taught me to sew and to focus on what I love.
You’re about to jet off to Paris –tell us about that.
We got invited to the official partnering trade show of Paris Fashion Week –only 150 designers are invited globally! The trade show is an opportunity to have garments on display and to coordinate meetings with buyers from international department stores like Selfridges and Bergdorf.
That’s exciting! And when can we expect your next collection?
We’re planning to launch certain pieces of the next collection this October. You’ll see power suits with a feminine edge in rich velvets and beautiful textiles that are a little bit more elaborate.
Quick Fire Questions
Your fashion muse:
Coco Channel. She was so innovative and completely changed fashion.
The song that soundtracks your life:
Anything Spice Girls.
Favourite item in your wardrobe:
The Andie jacket from my first collection.
Your top three dinner party guests:
Alexander McQueen, Edwina McCann, Emma Watson.
Your go-to scent:
Maison Margiela Replica – Under the Lemon Tree.