Lunatic’s spring collection for Lady Petrova is the ultimate ode to rose-tinted hedonism and mythological beauty. In their pastel-hued glory, Brisbane-based designer Clare Eastgate’s floral crowns are at once unashamedly feminine and bold. They are the perfect statement piece for Melbourne Cup Day frivolities or any other time you feel like dressing up and being glamorous!
Clare’s headpieces summon forth visions of eternal heroines: the dreamy radiance of Arthurian women, woodland nymphs, Frida Kahlo wearing a crown of bougainvillea and the fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The designs’ appeal lies in their ability to bridge the gap between reality and the world of the imagination; in dressing up, we enter another, more fantastical realm.
Clare expresses an abiding interest in theatre, ballet and costume design.
“Some of the old plays and movies from the 40s, the costumes were always so beautiful. I wanted to make them attainable, so that when they were worn they created a sort of feeling like dressing up for the theatre or being the centre ballerina at a show.”
Clare began making the headpieces as one-offs for her friends and the positive response she received inspired her to widen the net and turn her designs into a commercial venture. Using a vast array of faux flowers sourced in Australia, Clare often makes to order, sometimes hand painting each flower to create the desired effect.
Her collaboration with designer Petrova Hammond is a result of mutual admiration, with Clare saying she has free reign over her inspiration when it comes to interpreting Petrova’s enchanted colour palette in floral form.
The spring collection comprises one-off creations made exclusively for Lady Petrova.
You can also buy and order Lunatic pieces through Etsy, an online store, markets and boutiques. This Wednesday afternoon at Lady Petrova in Melbourne you can meet Clare in person and have your own floral crown custom-made! More details on her facebook page.
