Monday 14 July 2008

Kylie Hawkes



1. Describe yourself in a sentence.

An eternal optimist with a slightly overdeveloped sense of mischief, also I make clothes.

2. What is the first thing you ever designed?

My grandma taught me to sew and knit when I was very young. Together we would make clothes for a certain 11” doll who shall remain nameless. I also designed a tree house for my brothers and I (which we half made from stuff we found) and a time machine, which strangely never got past the blue print stage.

3. Describe your labels aesthetic.

My pieces are detailed, clever, modern and clean. Feminine and forward looking, sophisticated I guess, with a sense of fun.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Everywhere, sometimes it is the smallest thing; a found object, a comment, an idea. It can be a jumble of seemingly disconnected things that somehow come together in my head. Mostly when I need to actively seek inspiration, I get it from nature and the natural world (where would I be without David Attenborough?)

5. What is your point of difference?

All my clothes are Australian made and I am very particular about fabrics and construction. I design garments to last and try to build in a certain amount of versatility so my pieces can work harder in your wardrobe.
How did you get to where you are now?
I studied for 4 years at UTS (Bachelor Design -Fashion & Textiles). When I graduated, I was lucky enough to win a grant to start up my label. I have also worked in fashion retail and have had some production room experience.

6. What is the best thing about what you do?

Having creative and personal freedom is fantastic; also it’s great fun seeing your ideas come to life. There’s a huge feeling of joy when someone loves your work enough to bring it into her life and make it part of the way she wants the world to see her.

7. What is the best business advice you have been given?

That’s difficult, I’ve learned loads since I started up. The best advice would have to be ‘know when to seek help/advice’ which can be harder than it sounds.

8. What are you working on right now?

I’ve just finished sampling a new transeasonal collection which I am about to put in to production.

9. Where can we find your collection?

You can look me up on my (almost completed) website kyliehawkes.com and also find me hanging out at various Sydney markets (Paddington, Kirribilli Art & Design, Fringe Bar...)



4 comments:

..... said...

oh im lovin those g&a things !! great job

Anonymous said...

Wow this stuff is amazing, it's so unique and different to wot's available in those boring boutique stores right now. I especially love those buttons on the jersey top, so awesome!

Anonymous said...

I love the idea that my wardrobe is what should be working hard. When you find something you love you should be able to wear it lots so if it's versatile & changable what a bonus!! I'll be up from Melbourne this weekend!

Nieqo said...

I particularly love the use of the Blue ball!!! we love the blue ball.
Oh and I am loving the new collection. White labcoat sailor style with buttons! I will have to rock that one out with the shippers. xox