House of Cards: an interview with fashion designer Ashiya Omundsen

Ashiya Omundsen is a 24-year-old Australian fashion designer, she started for fun when she was still a child and  eventually succeeded in making her passion her dream job. She founded her own label, House of Cards in 2011. After becoming an important name in her home country, Ashiya is now looking to expand her business.

Could you tell me a little bit about yourself? Your age, interests and how did you get involve in fashion?

I am 24 year-old girl from Brisbane, Australia. I started designing small collections when I was 19, but I’ve sewn clothing for myself since the age of 11. I love creating, using my hands and working over a range of disciplines, which I get to do everyday. I’m so lucky.

What kind of studies did you do? Did you always know you wanted to get into fashion?

I studied Graphic Design & Photography for five years at the Queensland College of Art. I loved the studying and I still work in these areas at a freelance capacity as well as putting together branding and web stuff for House of Cards. I always wanted to become a fashion designer, but I thought it was an unrealistic goal. In 2011 I decided I was going to make it work and I designed the S/S’12 collection Summer Days (& Summer Nights).

We really love the colour match and contrast of the A/W’13 collection. We sense a delicate, almost childish woman. Could you explain to us the concept behind the Lagoon Lovers collection?

Lagoon Lovers is inspired by 70’s suburban life, this is emulated through the use of exaggerated collars, pastel tones and flamingo motifs.

Can you tell us more about the new KIDS collaboration? How did you come up with the idea?

KIDS is the name of a jewellery label I have collaborated with on a range of clutch bags and hats. They are sequined items that are a little child like, but they are targeted for adults.

What’s your main source of inspiration?

I think it’s the past, I am constantly reflecting on past times for inspiration. I think this gives the label a nostalgic feeling.

What’s the highlight of your career?

Hopefully that has yet to come.

Do you have your own boutique?

I would love to open a flagship store one day, at the moment I am stocked in boutiques across Australia and online as well as my own online store.

Is there any upcoming project?

I am working on expanding the label to international sales for next year. So this will mean designing Northern & Southern hemisphere collections consecutively.

Are there any fashion designers you feel you would collaborate with?

Opening Ceremony.

Is there any fashion designer you draw inspiration from?

Not really, Rodarte is my favourite design house but I don’t know that I draw inspiration from designers directly.

Monica Guerrasio

For further information about House of cards click here