From robes to riches: The fashion targets of Amber Symond

Rather than source inspiration from the standard super yacht destinations of Portofino, Monaco and St Tropez, Symond has turned to childhood memories in the back alleys of Sydney, filtered through the window of a Kombi van.

Her parents operated the North Sydney wine bar Alley Cat in the late seventies and eighties, which has given the new collection its name. Alley Cat was a place where bands such as Matt Finish, The Clones and The Farris Brothers, later INXS, would showcase their material.

“My dad converted a Kombi van into a bedroom when it became too late for us to go home,” she says. “I remember looking at the barmaids and thinking of them as the most beautiful creatures with long tights, skimpy singlets and clumpy eyeliner.”

Nocturnal activities inspired this collection, one of only two that Common Hours creates a year, compared to the five to six ranges released annually by competitors. Symond prefers taking her time on pieces featuring artwork licensed from the estate of Tamara de Lempicka and original work by Judd Shoppee, which is why she has abandoned the fashion week calendar.

“We want to take the entire day to get the show perfect. We are always looking for excellence. We want people to have the time to do the storytelling and to enjoy and engage with guests, friends, the makers, cutters and our team.”

Loading

When Symond takes her bow as creative director, “I’m really uncomfortable with any types of titles”, she will be deaf to any applause.

“This is the elixir to my own overthought,” she says. “This is a personal endeavour. If it lands with an audience, that’s great.”

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.