Somafashion

Alison Gallyot

By the age of ten, Alison was buying Vogue (she has kept every copy since the early 1970’s), but the obsession with fashion had started even earlier, influenced by her parents and extended family who loved to get dressed up and party “ They were young, living in 1960’s London and enjoying every bit of it. My sisters and I were never left out of the fun. I cannot remember ever having a babysitter, so we had plenty of excuses to go shopping for a new frock! I would wear my latest to school and get sent to the head masters office on a regular basis.”

After studying fashion design in the U.K, Alison’s first job was with notorious Saville Row designer Tom Gilbey, known for his modern twist on classical tailoring and list of famous and wealthy clientele. The skills and knowledge passed down from the Head cutter was to influence Alison’s love of cut and construction. Further design positions included Designer and Buyer for a chain of boutiques; a children’s wear Designer and textile Designer to name a few.

After a holiday in Australia and falling in love with Perth, Alison moved permanently in 1992.” What I sensed back then was a city on the threshold of a creative explosion as far as fashion was concerned. W.A designers have really put themselves on the map recently. The whole ambiance and lifestyle here allows one to design and create in a much more relaxed atmosphere, this is a very unique place with its own way of doing things and that’s what I love about it”.

As well as running a busy freelance design and pattern making business, Alison indulges her passion for handbags, working with local crafts people creating limited edition luxury pieces made from the highest quality hides of merino sheep, calf and kid. “I like to use leathers normally only used for garments, this gives an un-believable suppleness and drape not usually associated with traditional hand bag construction. Customers regularly tell me of how they get stopped in the street and asked where they got there bag from, keeping this uniqueness is very important so making to order for clients is another way we can maintain a real point of difference”