There's a gentleness to Alix Higgins' approach to fashion. A set of possibilities. Never forceful. An intrinsic empathy. An exploration of the individual. We spoke to the designer about his Resort 2026 collection, The Needle:

What was inspiring you when you were designing this collection? What was the catalyst?‍

I always want to challenge myself, to start in unfamiliar territory and then bring that closer to my world. So I began with the idea of folk - something bohemian, free spirited and playful. Three friends just had children in the last year so I was also thinking about this fantasy of childhood - dressing up, painting faces, being creative and not questioning. 

What made the leap from the mood board into the collection?

I was really inspired by the music of Florence, Laura Marling, Mitski. And imagery from Baron de Meyer (of Nijinsky and others). 

What emotions and thoughts from you are imbued in these pieces?

I hope there is a sense of freedom, something playful, hopeful, joyous, contemplative and always, always contradictory. 

How is the DNA of your brand evolving?

I am always trying to expand, to elevate, to challenge myself and push the brand forward. I think the identity is established, clear, now I can be playful, test the limits of it. I opened a physical store in Sydney’s Chinatown in October and this has also informed the work - just having a clearer idea of my client, what they respond to/appreciate. 

Recycling, repurposing, renewal. These are all important things in the world of 10. How do these apply to your work?

My work features a lot of upcycling, always. This season the halter tees, double layered tees and mesh skirts are all upcycled. Beyond that my work is always about revisiting itself, revisiting ideas from the past. 

Who would you love to see wearing it? Which look would they be wearing?

Florence Welch in look 29.

Which piece would you hope to be the ultimate collector’s item?

I think the crowns are pretty special - I worked with a milliner based in Sydney called Ann Shoebridge, who made these wonderful crowns by hand using silk, digitally printed with my signature gradient ’sunset’ prints, in muddy colours from the collection. They will be available made to order shortly post show. 

There are brilliant people to collaborate with in Australia. Who has been part of your world/journey/team with this collection? Mentors, stylists, hair, makeup, etc…

Sean Brady did the makeup for this show. We have been friends forever but have never done a show together. I wanted to do something wild along the lines of kid’s facepaint - stars, diamonds, swords and shields - and knew he would be the right one to reach out to. 

Chloé Corkran cast the show and is also just a wonderful close collaborator of mine. I am constantly bouncing ideas  around with her. 

What is the soundtrack to this collection?

The soundtrack is a really beautiful series of songs created by my friend Joan Banoit. Collectively it is called ‘Rush that Speaks’. We started with recording a few friends reciting a poem I had written, and then he layered these over strings and other sounds to create a folk inspired soundscape. It’s really moving, I think.

What’s next?

I am hosting a showroom in Paris in June to wholesale my collection for the first time internationally. This was front of mind when working on this collection - being on a global stage, pushing myself to make it strong, exciting, challenging and fresh.

alixhiggins.com