Things you didn't know about fashion designer Therese Rawsthorne

Rawsthorne likes to dive with the nurse sharks at Magic Point.

We speak to the designer at Therese Rawsthorne & T.R. Ensemble to find out where she gets her ideas from and what she thinks, loves and hates about Sydney.

CNNGo: Can you tell us about your current collection?

Therese Rawsthorne: The AW11 collection, “The Crush,” was inspired by the crushed metal sculptures of John Chamberlain that I saw at Dia:Beacon in upstate New York last year.

I loved the way the metal became almost fabric-like in his hands. I also collaborated with Sydney artist Jumbo on two prints that were inspired by the clashing patterns of Chamberlain’s work.

CNNGo: What are you working on at the moment?

Rawsthorne: The new Spring Summer collection for both my lines simultaneously. Keeping me out of trouble!

CNNGo: What do you find particularly inspiring at the moment?

Rawsthorne: I always find travel really inspiring (because) it gives me space away from the studio to get out of my head and start dreaming.

I’m hoping to go to Borneo after Fashion Week -- and maybe a bit of island hopping in the Indonesian archipelago. I’ve been spending a bit of time in Europe and the U.S. in the last 18 months, so I’m ready to get in explorer mode and get a bit off the beaten track.

CNNGo: Where in Sydney do you live?

Rawsthorne: Marrickville.

CNNGo: What do you like about the area?

Rawsthorne: It has a great cultural mix, so there are lots of amazing places to eat, beautiful parks and we have a big warehouse space to work in.

CNNGo: Favorite Sydney hotspots?

Rawsthorne: For coffee it's Petty Cash Cafe, Marrickville (Petty Cash Café, 68 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, +61 (0)2 9557 2377) –- this is my local and they know my order off by heart: BLAT, no mayo, and a skinny chai -- keeps me going!

For a drink it's The Cricketers Arms in Surry Hills (Cricketers Arms Hotel, 106 Fitzroy St, Surry Hills, +61 (0)2 9331 3301) or Carlisle Castle in Newtown (Carlisle Hotel, 19 Albermarle St, Newtown, +61 (0)2 9557 4852).

Both of these pubs have managed to maintain atmospheric old-style front bars and not get swept up in renovation mania.

I’m a big fan of sitting at the bar and having a chinwag over a cold beer -- these are great spots to do it.

For a bite to eat I go to The Eathouse Diner in Redfern (The Eathouse Diner, 306 Chalmers St, Redfern, +61 (0)2 8084 9479) –- it has the best interior, really friendly people and amazing food. My favorite place to eat with friends in Sydney.

CNNGo: Favorite Sydney experience?

Rawsthorne: Lazy afternoons in Centennial Park.

CNNGo: What do you like about living in Sydney?

Rawsthorne: There’s a lot of energy and motivation to create and do new things.

CNNGo: Least favorite Sydney experience?

Rawsthorne: Sitting in traffic.

CNNGo: What always impresses visitors to Sydney?

Rawsthorne: You’re never too far from a beautiful beach.

CNNGo: Your Sydney secret?

Rawsthorne: Diving with the gray nurse sharks at Magic Point [South Maroubra] is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.

Check out Therese Rawsthorne's fashions at the Therese Rawsthorne online store.