Petrova Hammond is Lady Petrova—in both the literal and figurative sense. The tiny, vivacious, flame haired Melbournian is as bright and bubbly as the work she created, season after season. Joyful and bright, Petrova and Lady Petrova go hand in hand, in an explosion of tulle, rainbow colours and frills.

Inspired by the artwork of Tamara De Lempicka and her relationship with her daughter, after whom the collection is named, Kizette De Lempicka, Lady Petrova’s AW11 collection is a fanciful foray with retro charm and the mystery woman. Renowned for her 1930’s Art-Deco portraits of ladies sporting luxurious dresses and bedroom eyes, Tamara’s work is not lacking in sex appeal—nor is Lady’s ‘Kizette’ collection. Tamara’s life was as sumptuous as her work, as the artist engaged in affairs with actresses, ambassadors and sailors. Her decadent lifestyle reflected in her rich artwork—a fullness that Lady draws on to embody the woman in her latest range.

Strong and elegant like Tamara, the collection still has facets of Lady’s signature playful femininity, inspired by Tamara’s young daughter and muse, Kizette. Kizette often appeared as Tamara’s model, and in turn was presented as her sister so as not to betray her small age. Lady’s AW11 range celebrates not the empowerment of the modern woman in the early 20th Century as well as the inherent little girl’s romantic innocence that she carries with her through life.