We Saw the Morning - Spring/Summer 08-09

Tuesday 29th April 2008, 9pm
Cargo Theatre

Ben Pollitt of Friedrich Gray unveiled his Spring Summer 2008-09 collection 'We Saw the Morning' at RAFW with a bold procession of other worldly beings.

The models stalked the runway in an ode to sophisticated deconstructivism which masterfully integrated clashing styles to form a collection that is both innovative and wearable. His unique signature of hand treated fabrics are worked, washed, beaten and treated to become a unique brand of Friedrich Gray perfection.

Selected by the Editor of Vogue Australia, Kirstie Clements announced today the Australian Protege as Friedrich Gray. Ben Pollit will showcase a selection of wool pieces today at 1 pm alongside international collections by Jean Pierre Braganza, Kristian Aadnevik, Ioannis Cholids, Julian Louie, Sandra Backlund.

The Australian Wool Innovation presents the Protégé collection where each designer has been selected by an internationally respected fashion identity to create a unique range made from Australian Merino wool. Collections have been selected by designers Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace, Paul Smith, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein and the Editor of Vogue Italiana Franca Sozzani.

View the show: http://www.vogue.com.au/

Friedrich Gray wins Woolmark New Young Designer Award

On Tuesday 4th March 2008, Ben Pollitt of Friedrich Gray was announced as the winner of the 2008 LMFF Designer Award presented by Woolmark and supported by VOGUE Australia at a special presentation during the Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival at Central Pier.

Woolmark presented Ben with a $10,000 cheque and commemorative award. Ben will also be flown to either Pitti Filati in Florence or Premiere Vision in Paris as a guest of Woolmark, who will host and introduce them to their network of contacts including mills and fabric suppliers.

Pollitt comments, "The Friedrich Gray label is maturing both in its designs and its sophistication. I'm using a mixture of luxury fabrics in ways that compliment the body and create a strong silhouette. I'm creating an image for longevity, not clothes that are fashionable. I am designing in 3 areas now. mens, womens and an in between areas called 'gray.' The gray represents the androgonous aspect of my designs and has no sex. It is sexless; pieces are designed to float between masculine and feminine, this helps meld the whole collection together."

Friedrich Gray is more than just a label. Friedrich Gray is a story, a study and a journey. Since March 2006, Sydney designer Ben Pollitt has been fleshing out his alter ego, a character whose journey runs parallel to the vision of the designer and is played out in each season’s range. We follow the valiant protagonist by way of seasons and collections. “Developing a character other than myself to lead the journey allows my mind to experience the darkened exploits of a man with no constraints”. Mysterious and ferocious, we see Pollitt’s fashion narrative follow Friedrich’s plight from the chaos of a broken city and through the savage lands.

Friedrich Gray was born from Pollitt in an attempt to set his own tone within the constructs of Australian fashion. After working as a fashion stylist in New York he returned to Sydney in 2006 with a vision for the label. Friedrich Gray assumed it’s own persona, by means of a mixture of meticulously selected fabrics and timeless cuts.

Friedrich Gray Wins SOYA Award

Ben Pollitt of Friedrich Gray was named the fashion winner of the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards.

The SOYA Awards honour young talent under 25 in the areas of music, photography, film, industrial design and visual arts along with fashion and aim to provide mentors who are leaders in the field.

Peter Morrissey judged the final 50 fashion entrants and will mentor Pollitt in developing his label.

"I've always known I can design and be creative," Pollitt said, "I just need to know more about the nuts and bolts of running a business and getting financing."

(This excerpt is from a piece by Jen Melocco that appeared in the Daily Telegraph.)