When Emma Mulholland made her debut as one of four TAFE students chosen to present a range at Australian Fashion Week, she immediately stood out as a designer with a lot of promise. Within a few short months Kanye West was spotted purchasing a backpack at Alice Euphemia in Melbourne, and since then her designs have been worn by the likes of Azealia Banks, Grimes, M.I.A, and Kimbra. With her debut solo show at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week showing her Spring Summer 13/14 collection, Emma Mulholland caught the attention of international buyers and press in what was a packed out show, style.com marking her as an “an up-and-coming designer” with a distinctly unique aesthetic. On first impression, her clothes may scream blaringly loud. But on closer inspection, the designs sing a different tune. Shapes and silhouettes are actually very wearable and flattering. Clusters of intricate embellishments and macramé textures weave heartfelt recollections of growing up beachside on the South Coast. life starts after 5! This collection for Spring/Summer 14/15 from Emma Mulholland is for all the bored working girls and boys, who stare blankly as the time passes by, ready to hit the beach as soon as they can free themselves from the daily grind. Drawing from John Hughes famous eighties ‘brat pack’ and Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, this collection certainly has a playful approach to business. This season sees Mulholland move away from bright neons, taking on a more muted pastel palette, evoking dwindling summer days. Pens, paper clips and post-its cover are the inspiration for prints and embellishments. The surf and street aspects of the brand are ever present in the cuts and shapes featured in the range. Mulholland has also looked to eighties resort wear for some more relaxed styling and finishings. Think board shorts covered in post its prints, and paper clips over low-cut one pieces. Fabrication and flattering shapes will be a big focus this season as well as developing the swim and unisex styles. This is shaping up to be one collection that you will definitely not want to call in sick for.