The flambostic stylings of Courtney Wagner’ s new label, Capuche by Courtney, have come to the attention of Design Federation lately so we spoke to the woman hersef to find out the story behind the flair.
Wagner has been making unique kaftans for two years now, but it is only since the beginning of 2009 that her label Capuche by Courtney has been turning up at music festivals, the club scene and in the style stakes of local polka tournaments.
The hyphy punch of colour and individuality her hoodies offer are a fresh and functional take on her original kaftans.
“It was ‘Summer Festival’ time in Sydney and I wanted to make something for myself that was funky, versatile and that would also be functional for the whole day. So I took my kaftan design and added a chunky zipper, some edging, drawstrings, and a hood.”
The brand was born and caused a stir on the scene when Wagner started wearing her designs,” Lots of people were asking me where I bought my jacket from, it wasnt until later that I started to take people seriously.” Launching her brand through social networking sites Myspace and Facebook, Wagner has been busy crafting bespoke hoodies for the fans ever since.
Capuche is an antiquitated name for the hooded capes worn by Capuchin monks and Wagner felt the name suited the hoodies her friends were enthusiastically buying from her. Despite the urban flavour of her capuches, she insists the style is not the exclusive domain of hip-hoppers and has been embraced by all walks of life. The statement splash of colour and ostentacious originality of the designs translates into different scenes. “Anyone can wear Capuche, they are made to order, so there are many variations to the jacket that can be made. They are adjustable in length, and are quite roomy, which makes them ‘one size fits most’.”
She makes hoodies for both men and women and at the moment she is finding the music scene and festival heads are loving her brand. Being a start-up, niche label, Wagner is enjoying the buzz of seeing her creations on the backs of identities such as Big Brother housemate, Nobby, last season.
With plans to hit Glebe markets with her range, her eye on the childrenswear market and dreams to one day be found in urban fashion stores of the likes of General Pants, Wagner is just enjoying seeing her project grow.
With the attention Capuche By Courtney is attracting at the moment, we think this is just the beginning.
I really like the edgy urban style… can’t wait till they hit the Glebe markets
Love the designs, So fresh and so Courtney!
Very excited to see it out and about :D
I want one, The fact that its custom is an awesome asset!