How do you embrace the extraordinary?
There was something I resonated with from David Lynch where he talked about searching for a good pair of pants that he just loves, to be able to work and live in and feel comfortable in everyday. When the pants are not right he says, it interrupts the flow of happiness. The screenshot of this quote was the first post on the Pantalon Instagram page during the development of the brand because it reminded me that the extraordinary is in the everyday, small details and feelings towards what is in front of you.
How has what you’ve created helped people embrace the extraordinary?
A varied group of women wear Pantalon pieces; my mum, my mother-in-law, my best friend who is a lawyer, my sister who is a paramedic, artists, models, entrepreneurs, nurses, journalists, authors, designers, art directors, consultants, hard working women I’ve met along the way. It’s allowing them to get on with what they do in life and making dressing simple with the right pieces.
How do you embark on your creative journey?
Everything needs to exist in thought first, so a long solo walk is where I like to start to gather my ideas and thoughts.
What has been your biggest challenge and what have you learnt?
Understanding that the production and manufacturing process isn’t always linear. For example, sourcing the right fabric and contracting the services of local craftspeople– patternmakers, cutters and seamstresses – to manufacture clothing to the highest standards within a set time frame can be a complicated mix to balance. I’ve learnt it’s important to stay across every detail and take what you learn to inform the next decision; to always be improving for collection.
What is your creative process from idea to creation?
In no order, and repeated often: walking for thinking, writing, sketching on a design body template, making mindmaps on A4 paper, fittings on models - my friends, myself, my sister. Printing off imagery to pin on a board with notes, studying finishes on the inside of garments, fabric sourcing, vintage clothing shopping and lastly and most importantly talking to experts.
