Of Cabbages & Kings is the creative union between artist Tane Andrews and costumier Kira Goodey. Drawn together by a mutual respect for fine design, architectural history and insect entomology, Andrews and Goodey have sculpted their influences into wearable inimitable pieces, which they describe as being both vulgar and eerily beautiful.

What began as a foray into jewellery design in 2005, grew into the creation of full fashion collections by 2007. Twisting the same macabre subject matter OC&K had become known for its wearable fabric, they pushed the label to a higher level both creatively and publicly and the duo soon took their talents to London for an internship with fashion heavyweight Alexander McQueen.

In 2007, OC&K were selected as finalists for SOYA (Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards) and formed one part of the final 18 designers chosen for Design Now!, a national competition showcasing some of Australia’s most promising design talent. (They also caught the eye of Canadian electro band Dandi Wind, who demanded a series of costumes for their film clips and tour. Clad in OC&K garments, Dandi Wind performed their way through Asia and the US, the culminating point came in Dandi Wind’s appearance, resplendent in OC&K, at American music festival SXSW, which is pretty damn cool.)

Last year, they showed at London Alternative Fashion Week and this year, their Earthy Delights Collection will be showing at LMFF.

They are from Perth, they are very ambitious and they're determined to make the international fashion industry sit up and take stock of the talent Australia has to offer.

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How did it all begin?
Kira and I had always worked together, we both went to a high school specialising in art and grew up collaborating on projects. So it was a very natural evolution to create fashion together when we graduated.

Describe the style of OC&K:
We try and work with contradictions whenever we design, and I think this is evident within the OC&K style. Something beautiful is paired with something ugly, soft with heavy, light with dark.
   
What is inspiring you this season?
An investigation into post World War II fashion and the return to nature. The collection draws from the Belle Epoque ideal of long skirts, tiny waists and beautiful fabrics, traditional concepts of femininity, and the notion of 'flower women.'
   
What fabrics/materials have you used for this collection?
We decided to limit our fabrication and focus on a selected amount of high quality natural fabrics. So this collection is made up of silks, cotton and wool.

What are some of your favourite pieces from your current collection and why?
I personally really like the white lily blouse and the orchid shorts. The white cotton is reminiscent of paper origami around the body.
   
This is your first time showing at LMFF, what are you most looking forward to?
I think we are looking forward to being a part of creative community, sometimes you become quite insular when you work on a collection, shutting yourself off, so It will be great to have fun with other designers. We are also really looking forward to seeing our stuff on the catwalk, the movement of the fabric and the way the garments look in motion.


Take a look at the latest collection in the gallery above, and over at their website.