Interview with Dale Cornell, Owner and Designer at New Model Beauty Queen (NMBQ)
A Melbourne based label with a strong focus on sustainability, NMBQ specilaise in limited edition, body positive, slow fashion, using 100% rescued fabric. Designed, printed and constructed in their own factory by a small team of dedicated artisans. We spoke with the Dale Cornell about the future of fashion.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in Fashion?
I was interested in fashion as the transmitter of an idea.
What does the word ‘Fashion’ mean to you?
The concept of a mass belief.
What role do you believe gender/sex has to play in the world of Fashion?
The role of fashion, on the whole, is used as a way to differentiate the male and female gender.
Where do you see the future of fashion going?
I think the gender differentiation within fashion is becoming more blurred and more comfort-focused. Consumption behaviour is becoming defined by online shopping: garments are becoming looser and less restrictive.
Knits are becoming more dominant than wovens, and the sportswear industry is becoming progressively mainstream.
What changes would you like to see in the Fashion industry?
I’d like a broader acceptance of what the fashion industry defines as ‘acceptable shape and form. For example, I would like to see a broader showcasing of the shapes and sizes for woman of colour… This aspect of fashion is better than it used to be, but it needs to be better.
How would you like to contribute to the future of the Fashion industry?
We are building a new facility in Thomastown – which we think will have a major impact on the local fashion industry.
This factory will offer more creative resources in one space than any other fashion facility in Melbourne. We hope to build a community and create a bit of a renaissance.
What has been your most important/meaningful moment in the fashion industry to date?
The television program on ABC featured our brand and our collaboration with the Barking Spider Theatre Company a few years back. These were meaningful moments because both collaborations provided opportunities to explore and discover our true creative potential.
