ORACLE FOX’S AMANDA SHADFORTH ON HER FAVOURITE NEW ACCESSORIES THIS WINTER SEASON.
Words by: Natasha Inchley
Creative Director and Founder of Oracle Fox and OF By Amanda Shadforth
Amanda Shadforth, the chic Creative Director behind Oracle Fox, knows a thing or two when it comes to navigating the season’s standout looks. More specifically, she has a way of stamping her look with the kind of elegant finishing touches that work across all seasons. Here, she pinpoints a few of her favourite looks for winter.
Which pieces do you love from Oroton’s current season?
For me, the new collection pieces have that perfect mix of classic and contemporary, and the muted colour palette is so beautiful. I really wanted to highlight the styles such as the Arena Saddle Bag, the Solo Satchel and the Icon Frame Clutch, which are perfect for everyday, but still make a statement and can be worn for both day and night.
What is your style tip for the winter season?
I love that these accessories can be mixed and matched with additional straps and bag accessories, it’s a great way to experiment and wear your bag in different ways. It’s nice to be able to have some fun with accessories in this way.
What was the inspiration behind your story for Oroton?
We really loved The Botanist campaign for the Autumn 19 collection, and were excited to create our own take on the theme. I’ve had my eye on a secret garden location for a long time and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to shoot there. I loved the diversity of the different plants, flowers and trees and it also ties in so beautifully with the soft colour palette of the collection.
How do you dress according to your day’s schedule – be it in the studio or outside on location?
I think it’s best not to overthink things and keep it simple. When you have a piece or outfit that you love, use that as the base and build upon it in different ways. I always try to have a little bit of fun, too.
On those rare occasions, how would you spend a day off in your home city?
I’m lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places and have Noosa as my backyard. Life here is all about the outdoors and the beach so you’ll find me walking through the National Park to one of my favourite bays for a surf with my girls. You’ll most likely find me at Miss Moneypenny’s for a drink or eating out at Sum Yung Guys.
Lastly true style, in your mind, is …
Wearing what makes me feel good and having the confidence to be original, no matter what other people might think. True style comes from within.
Not to mention timing. A designer needs to almost thrive under pressure when it comes to fashion’s ever-quickening pace. How do you handle those intense moments when deadlines are looming?
I think it has everything to do with fostering a team mentality whereby everyone is really excited about what they’re doing, everyone is on board with the brand and equally passionate. The hard work then becomes much easier when you’re achieving a strong result as a team, and you’re proud of the work. It should never be just me who feels like that, that feeling has to belong to the entire team. For me, one of the most exciting parts of the job is working together in the studio, work-shopping ideas, one idea sparks another, and from there a new collection comes to life.
And lastly, when it comes to family life, how has motherhood influenced your work?
Well you’re forced to strive for some kind of balance – and that’s something I’ve always prioritised; I have always made a point of getting home for dinner with my children. We also traveled a lot together, which was something hugely important to us. We dragged the kids all over the world, from when they were little, and I think it made us so much closer as a family because we have been fortunate to have shared so many special experiences along the way. And that, no doubt, has inspired me in my job too.
