I recently had the opportunity to interview Ashiya Omundsen, founder of the Brisbane label House Of Cards for another blog, however due to unforeseen circumstances, it didn't get published there. So I decided rather than let a good piece go to waste, I'd publish it here. Check out what Ashiya had to say about her Autumn/Winter 2013 collection Swamp Monsters.
Tell us a little about yourself...
I am from Brisbane QLD, but originally New Zealand (till age 10). I studied Graphic Design & Photography at Queensland Collage of Art for 5 years, I’ve made clothing from an early age and while I was studying I started developing small collections & furthering my skills in clothing construction and pattern making.
Describe House Of Cards’ aesthetic in a Tweet.
The House of Cards Ethos is about having fun with fashion, creating pieces that work cohesively together to enhance the individuality of the wearer. Combining bold colours, unique prints & exaggerated shapes with a sprinkle of nostalgia.
Can you please tell us about your A/W 13 Swamp Monsters collection? What was your inspiration?
Swamp Monsters is inspired by fictional stories & myths about other worldly creatures.. think Loch Ness monsters meet Goosebumps.
You’ve mentioned that you’ve been unintentionally going through the decades (50s, 60s, 70s) with your past and current collections, is this something you’re going to continue?
I’m not sure, my designs tend to a reflection of what my obsessions are at the time. I will say the high summer range definitely has some 80’s and 90’s vibes.
Where do you get inspiration for the fabric designs?
Prints are designed in the same way as patterns (garments), I’ll research a theme and the print comes from that.
Who are you favourite designers? Who do you look up to?
Rodarte, Opening Ceremony, Geoffrey Finch.
Do you think the Brisbane fashion scene is different from Melbourne or Sydney?
Haha I’m not sure, I don’t think I’m very involved in scenes. I do think of all the cities though, Melbourne seem to be the biggest risk takers, which I love. Brisbane seems to be a mixture of people doing their own thing.
On a non-fashion related note, what music are you listening to at the moment?
It’s a bit of a mixed bag depending on what I’m feeling… Father John Misty, 2 Chainz, Otis (always Otis!), Mazzy Star, Ducktails, Beirut, The Maddisons, Gucci Mane…
What can we expect from House Of Cards in the future?
More crayzayness!!
Tell us a little about yourself...
I am from Brisbane QLD, but originally New Zealand (till age 10). I studied Graphic Design & Photography at Queensland Collage of Art for 5 years, I’ve made clothing from an early age and while I was studying I started developing small collections & furthering my skills in clothing construction and pattern making.
The House of Cards Ethos is about having fun with fashion, creating pieces that work cohesively together to enhance the individuality of the wearer. Combining bold colours, unique prints & exaggerated shapes with a sprinkle of nostalgia.
Can you please tell us about your A/W 13 Swamp Monsters collection? What was your inspiration?
Swamp Monsters is inspired by fictional stories & myths about other worldly creatures.. think Loch Ness monsters meet Goosebumps.
You’ve mentioned that you’ve been unintentionally going through the decades (50s, 60s, 70s) with your past and current collections, is this something you’re going to continue?
I’m not sure, my designs tend to a reflection of what my obsessions are at the time. I will say the high summer range definitely has some 80’s and 90’s vibes.
Prints are designed in the same way as patterns (garments), I’ll research a theme and the print comes from that.
Who are you favourite designers? Who do you look up to?
Rodarte, Opening Ceremony, Geoffrey Finch.
Do you think the Brisbane fashion scene is different from Melbourne or Sydney?
Haha I’m not sure, I don’t think I’m very involved in scenes. I do think of all the cities though, Melbourne seem to be the biggest risk takers, which I love. Brisbane seems to be a mixture of people doing their own thing.
It’s a bit of a mixed bag depending on what I’m feeling… Father John Misty, 2 Chainz, Otis (always Otis!), Mazzy Star, Ducktails, Beirut, The Maddisons, Gucci Mane…
What can we expect from House Of Cards in the future?
More crayzayness!!
Unfortunately the photos in this blog post aren't the Swamp Monsters collection photos because they haven't been released yet. Check out the House Of Cards website to keep up to date on her latest collection!
Stalk Me
As the sun fell, Tame Impala took to the stage and we had a good ol' dance and sing-a-long. We danced pretty hard, mainly because we were so cold and needed to get the blood pumping. After Tame Impala we swapped between Tegan and Sara and Flume because we couldn't decide between them. 
