Previous News » Next News »

22nd February 2012

Pin It

Share on facebook:

CULTSTATUS is one of Perth’s premiere designer boutiques that has made the successful leap into lone and stocks a simply dazzling array of all your favourite designer brands including Alexander Wang, YSL, Proenzer Schouler and Alexander McQueen to name just a few! We sat down with Lily, who founded Cultstatus in 2005 to get her lowdown on all the latest key trends to shop for.

What inspired the birth of Cultstatus?

After returning to Australia from working in Hong Kong I saw a real gap in the market. It sounds like a fail-safe plan, but at the time opening a luxury store was a real risk. I remember the Commercial Director from one of the big fashion houses telling me that he had been to Perth before, and that he thought we were “brave” to proceed with a store.

When we opened CULTSTATUS in 2005, the choices for retail in Perth were limited. Perth had one LV store and that was it. Gucci, Prada, Burberry and Bally have only opened recently, and David Jones had a very different brand mix now to what they had six years ago. The landscape of retail in Perth as has changed considerably and there are now many multi-brand boutiques that carry international designers and labels.

What inspires you?

My customers inspire me. A store can only really be successful if they can reach and understand their customers. As a buyer, I need to understand my customer’s wants and needs and their lifestyles. Perth is a unique city with different needs. We introduce new product lines to keep their interest, while also choosing pieces to attract new customers. I admit, it’s not especially hard, given the brands we represent, however, there is little loyalty retail and we have to stay competitive from a national and global perspective. We have been lucky to have amazing customers who have supported us from the beginning. Surprisingly, we have also have a large number of international customers who manage to find us.

Key trends our readers should shop for in 2012? What are your top picks from Cultstatus and why?

I love accessories that add a modern accent to an outfit, while being versatile and wearable. My top picks take classical elements and add a new fresh perspective for wearers. I have many pieces of clothing that I have owned since the late 90′s and still wear.

Leopard prints.

Leopard print is one fashion trend that remains timeless. Seasons will come and go, collections will come and go, but leopard some how stays. Leopard has been strong for a number of seasons but the use of grey leopard at YSL pre-fall 2012 is a lesson in refined elegance. Leopard prints are synonymous with the house of YSL, a small accent in accessories with a scarf or bag is often enough to finish a look.

YSL Leopard Scarf at Cultstatus.com.au

Shoes – can really change the look of an outfit. The YSL tibtoo 80 pump is my go to winter shoe. They are super comfortable, ie I can wear them walking around all day and not feel any discomfort by the end of the day. They have heel of about 10cm but since there is hidden platform of 2.5cm you are effectively only walking abound on 7.5 cm which is a very easy height for most women. They look glamorous with pants or dresses. Fail proof! These are my must buy recommendation.

For evening wear, the classic YSL Tribute sandals are a wardrobe must have. The perfect shoes to add instant glam to any wardrobe. They are easy to walk in and you can’t look good unless you are comfortable.

Left to right: YSL TRIBTOO80 $995 at Cultstatus.com.au, YSL TRIBUTE 105 $995 at Cultstatus.com.au

Sports Chic

I love this aesthetic, with a focus on usability, versatility and clean fresh lines.

Channel urban cool with a sporty carry-all. With the option of versatile messenger or shoulder length straps these bags offer form and functionality.

It’s hard to resist the old-school vibe of the fashionable Balenciaga or Lanvin sneakers. Make them your own by teaming them with a pair of skinnies for the weekend or with a

leather mini skirt for a cool, down town look. For heel lovers the Balenciaga multi tone heels channel the athletic vibe.

Jewellery

I tend to wear black ( as many of us do in winter) however it can drain the colour from your face. I think earrings or a necklace work well to draw attention to and to brighten up the face. My pick is this gorgeous Mawi necklace – perfect over a turtleneck or a simple top.

Mawi Spike Necklace in Rose Gold $995 at Cultstatus.com.au

Bags

Try a classic Proenza Schouler satchel bag or Alexander Wang Rocco in an unexpected hue to brighten your look. The mix of classic shape and unusual colour make the bag a versatile piece that will become a trans-seasonal staple to lift any outfit.