INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE:
MALA’S "CATS ‘n BATS" TAKE OVER WINTER 2007
Text and Interview: Daniel Ahwa



The tag "formerly worked for New Zealand’s best known designer” is often used in various interviews and articles to refer to Mala Brajkovic's design assistant role with Karen Walker a few years ago now. However, Mala Brajkovic has always been 'one to watch' and these days the Auckland based designer has honed her craft into a seasoned business that includes her own store in Auckland's fashionable Vulcan Lane, 13 stockists (and counting) including exports of the Mala Brajkovic label to Australia, Europe and Asia. Her business savvy would make even Donald Trump proud, and with her entrepreneual spirit, Mala puts it all down to sheer determination and good old Kiwi ingenuity. Although there may be similar aesthetics between Karen Walker and the Mala Brajkovic label, Mala has definitely got her own signature style.

Having studied in Sydney and at London's St Martins College of Art and Design, Brajkovic has a strong technical background that sees true craftsmanship in the execution of each of her garments. This hardworking girl has seen her label take off since its debut back in 2005. Her first collection, titled 'How's Tricks?', was based on Mala's childhood dream of being a magicians assistant. And just when every other designer is reviving the futuristic look again for spring summer 2006/2007, our Mala already went there for Winter 2006 with her unique take on futurama: 'Cyborg's Rule, OK!'

Mala's winter 2007 collection this year is titled ‘Cats ‘n Bats’ and takes its cue from classic films from the horror and film noir genre’s such as the 'Cat People' and 'Lost Boys'. The sexy range includes a figure hugging black strapless dress with a quirky backside, Peter Pan collared dresses , blouses with oversized sleeves, a t-shirt with a cat and bow tie print and a lush velvet tunic dress which would instantly turn any girl into a vamp for the night. Morticia Adams, place you order now…