For our second installment of Q&A’s with bright young things in the world of fashion, the delightful and talented Rachel Burke answers Amelia Dowd’s questions (Fashion Blog #1). Rachel is currently tripping about the USA and still managing to make a dress a day for her Starlight Foundation fundraising challenge, I Make My Day.

Rachel is the designer behind the label Yellowcake, a fun line of dresses currently available through the Princess Polly chain. Full of whimsy and pompoms, Yellowcake is youthful and draws upon literary and childhood experiences to inspire one-of-a-kind creations. Here are Rachel’s responses to Amelia’s questions:

Question 1: What has your project taught you since you started?

This project has taught me how much I can achieve with my time and creativity if I put the effort in.  Whilst the task of making a dress everyday has been challenging, proving to myself that I can do it (and raise money for charity at the same time) has been so creatively and personally satisfying.

Question 2: What is some advice you would give to people starting out in fashion?

I would encourage people just starting out to focus on developing their own unique style and to have confidence in what they are designing.  It is easy to get swept up in trends and what other people are doing, but if you just stay focused on producing your own quality work (whether it’s fashion photography/clothing/styling) that you believe in, and that has come from your own creative mind, then it’s hard to go wrong.

Question 3: What do you think will be big trends in 2012?

I think that we are going to continue to see a lot of binaries in textures, prints and colours in garments and styling throughout 2012.  Whilst girly dresses in pastel tones of peach and baby blue will continue to remain popular (thank you Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu), I feel these will be teamed with strong accessories – like bulky, choker-like necklaces, printed stockings, and heavy heeled shoes.  I think mostly though, anything will go this year…the more adventurous the outfit, the better!

Question 4: What TV shows/Movies have inspired your style? (For example, I freaking love “The Nanny”!)

Any kind of costume drama (whether it be on TV or an epic feature film) always floats my ‘style-inspiration’ boat. However, my all time favourite would have to be Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette – I watch it over and over again for ideas.

Question 5: Who are your favourite Australian Designers?

I adore the work of Lover, Gorman, Akira Isogawa, and Kit Willow all in equal parts!

Thanks Rachel! And thanks Amelia for the questions. Stay tuned for Fashion Blog #3 – out soon.