Cairnlea designer Aneta Pazeski’s 1950’s inspired party frock turned heads at this year’s Melbourne Cup. 72942 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
ANETA Pazeski often judges the quality of her clothing designs by the amount of heads that turn to look at her creations.
So when heads were turning at the sight of her 1950’s style party dress at last week’s Melbourne Cup, the Cairnlea fashion designer knew she had produced a masterpiece.
Ms Pazeski, 37, first realised she had a love for the fashion industry as a young teenager, but she never imagined that her hobby would one day become a thriving business offering residents in Melbourne’s West unique couture at their doorstep.
“I’m one of the lucky few people doing a job, but I don’t feel like I’m working,” the creator of Zanet Couture said.
The talented designer remembers tinkering with her mother’s sewing machine as a school student and recalls the many hours she spent creating after-five gowns to wear to family functions.
“I always had something new to wear.”
Now an accomplished business woman, Ms Pazeski specialises in bridal and evening wear, however her recent focus has been on the Spring Racing Carnival, where she produced a classic 1950’s style dress inspired by high society and timeless elegance.
The garment, the jacket and dress ensemble, which took a month to design and make, was a hit with racegoers with the local designer earning praise throughout the day.
“The amount of heads that turned was amazing.
“When that happens I know I’ve done a good job.”
But she was quick to point out that no outfit was complete without the right accessories and said with the help of a talented milliner, jeweller and, of course the perfect pair of shoes, the outfit went from classic to stunning.
The self-taught designer said she is particularly inspired by Christian Dior, the elite French designer who took the world by storm with his “New Look” post-war designs including voluptuous silhouettes with boned, bustier bodices and skirts that flared out from the waist.
“Fashion has evolved, but we always take inspiration from the past.
“As a designer I take elements from all eras.”
However she said it is her bridal designs which are often the most rewarding of all her creations.
“It’s a phenomenal feeling when brides are so happy. It’s so rewarding.”
