Sarah Hawes has always had a close kinship with the arts and, through fashion, has found a way to translate her creative outlets into a career. “Art has always been my way to communicate ever since I was young. I remember as a child I covered my bedroom ceiling in bubble wrap so I could draw and paint all over it,” she reminisced. “It was through art that I found fashion and fell in love.” Hawes combined this passion with dedication and hard work during the creation of her graduate collection, Psychotic Tailor. “An important thing I have learnt is that there will always be someone better than you. Due to this, what I can be is the hardest worker possible. That is what I strive for, to be the hardest worker there is.”
“Designing for me is like creating a puzzle, and sewing is completing it.”
Psychotic Tailor utilises a range of techniques and unconventional materials to create a unique presentation. “My graduate collection known as the “Psychotic Tailor” explores men’s tailoring with a splash of the psychotic. The crazy and insane lunatic meets the classic tailor.” Hawes’ inspiration came from photos of her grandfather in tailored suits from the 1950s and she combined this which intense research of streetwear and the platform it provides for social activism. “I was interested in exploring these garments in contrast with a playful and open aesthetic in the fabric surfaces,” elaborated the emerging designer. Hawes combined complex techniques with her unique vision to bring together her collection. “Designing for me is like creating a puzzle, and sewing is completing it.” Some of the more intricate or unconventional techniques Hawes incorporated into her designs were detailed embroidery and knitted pieces. “I was most excited to show a piece that was hand made from thongs that were torn apart and re-constructed to crease platform converses.”
Hawes shared her excitement to start her own brand and bring her unique designs to like-minded consumers. “I prefer making custom pieces, as all of my textiles are very time consuming,” she confessed. “I would want customers that buy my designs to really fall in love with them, as opposed to buying something for the sake of it.”
