From her studio/store in Kyneton in the Macedon Ranges, Leanne Coates designs, cuts & makes a unique small batch women's garment range. With a keen eye for fabrics from Japan, Leanne's brand is driven by premium textiles and artisanal techniques with an over arching simplicity to meet the commercial realities of the garment industry on a micro scale. There is no waste, no over production and a quiet & gentle footprint is key to the 10 year success of this slow fashion brand.

[Immersing myself in the display of garments and archive materials, articles and memorabilia of Mr Simon was a delight and a few things resonated for me quite quickly. Firstly, I loved that he was one of the first Australian designers to establish business success with Japan]

 "Creatively speaking I was drawn to his work with quilted garments in the 50's as I have been exploring this medium in recent designs of my own and I think there is something very emotive and emotional about the inclusion of padding in garments. I also noticed moving into the 60's his use of the portrait style (or stand collar) which is another reference I am working with for my runway pieces along with his 'pant' influence which runs through my own design thinking but more as an undergarment paired with oversized tops and dresses than as a suit style".