What are three words that describe your new spring/summer collection?
Romantic, bubbly and optimistic!

What's the inspiration behind the looks?
I am always excited and inspired by the prints I find, and they drive the mood of the season, which this summer is very soft and girly.

This collection has some amazing prints. Can you describe the story behind one of them?
I found a beautiful Italian knit, with a huge, nautical link pattern in red, white and blue. A wardrobe is incomplete without a frock for yachting and Olivia [the name of this particular style] - with her halter back and sailor collar - is perfect.

The styles seem to reference different eras - which periods of time appear in this collection? What's the appeal of those times?
I have always loved the seventies so I think innately a lot of my work has the flavour of that era. It was so varied, quirky, and often eccentric, with so much personality and experimentation. They were inspired by many eras themselves, which they reinterpreted for their decade.

Floral dresses are the signature Leona look. What does the essential Leona dress look like this season?
There is something for everyone! From tiered layers in jewel-coloured slinky knits to a black slip dress with floral basket embroidery and a fifties shirtdress in pink ocelot taffeta.

Leona Edmiston "In Conversation" for Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival
Venue: Leona Edmiston Boutique, 88 William Street, Paddington, Sydney
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: Free
RSVP: lee@leonaedmiston.com