B’Coz is a nascent chic brand based in Melbourne,
Australia with representation in the USA. We caught up with
Owner, (and part time artist) Melinda illevold and asked
her a few questions about the sensation that is B’Coz.
What is the B’Coz lifestyle/collection?
The B’Coz collection is pure ravishing rock and roll
with grunt.
It’s a line of apparel that can be worn wherever fun
times are had – from the beach to a rock concert/club,
and everywhere in between. Think St Kilda, Bondi, Lizard
Island, The Whitsunday’s, South Beach, Los Angeles,
New York, St Barth’s. Our range offers optional tops,
skirts, dresses, and pants that can be teamed with a bikini.
The styles are simple but lusciously sexy and not too revealing,
after all the true aphrodisiac is what remains to be seen.
What materials do you most often use?
All our apparel is made from stretch warp fabrics.
Mostly we use Lycras ™ and textile industry developed
Supplex ™. Lycra™ is used in swimwear, underwear,
jeans, hosiery, and activewear. It’s a very popular,
versatile product.
Supplex ™ especially is an ideal fabric to use. Supplex™
combines the traditional appeal of cotton and the performance
benefits of modern fiber technology. It’s flexible,
lightweight, and very soft.
At B’Coz we believe it’s time to be environmentally
friendly to ourselves as well as our planet so we choose
to use tested fabrics with a certified AS/NZS 4399 UPF 50+
rating. This is the highest sunburn protection rating in
the world,
and our fabrics provide at least 97% solar block out. Harmful
UVR is everywhere, everyday, in every climate. Visit The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about the
SunWise program at http://epa.gov/sunwise/index.html or
in Australia visit http://www.sunsmart.com.au/
What are your price points?
Between $100 -$400 and everything in between.
B’Coz apparel is Australian designed, made, checked,
and distributed worldwide.
We ensure people get what they pay for, a high quality authentic,
unique piece of Australian retail therapy.
How did you get into the business?
I became disillusioned when my favorite brands moved production
offshore and started selling mass produced garments of lesser
quality, whilst still retaining the high price tag! I’m
sure many readers can relate to buying a garment with cottons
hanging from seams and buttons, zippers breaking for no
apparent reason, and seams coming apart. It’s really
annoying, to pay for a ‘quality’ brand and then
have to repair it. I decided to design and out of that decision
evolved B’Coz.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
Most definitely Miami Fashion Week 2008. I was very proud
to represent Australia with B’Coz. It was a unified
effort with our American friends helping at the event. We
received fantastic media and recognition.
B’Coz featured on the catwalk with a special live
performance by Ana Cristina. You can view
[a video clip of our experience at] Miami Fashion Week by
visiting: www.bcozoz.com
or www.myspace.com/melindaillevold
Any last words?
Each of us has independent needs, desires, likes, dislikes,
beliefs, attitudes, recreational pursuits, strengths, weaknesses,
annoying habits, skin, hair, eyes, talent, and size. Fashion
is all about reflecting who you are. Individuality is the
essence of real beauty. Get into B’Coz and get onto
the world stage. www.bcozoz.com
(new site coming soon) - - www.myspace.com/melindaillevold
PHOTOGRAPH NOTE: Model A.D. wears Sasha
Krivtsov Signature Limited Edition T., Rock Band Accessory
compliments of www.LeatherRockBands.com
