Based in Melbourne, Catherine's design career spans more than two decades, interspersed with mothering her two boys. Driven by beauty, nature, love and empathy, her work has primarily existed within the Australian manufacturing industry allowing her to grow relationships with local craftspeople and suppliers, many of which have become family-esque. She likes to be hands-deep in every stage of the evolution of her clothing, from the initial scribble or piece of fabric through to treasured interactions with her customers. Catherine attributes her particular love of dresses to memories of herself as a small girl, perched on the back of her mother's bicycle full of anticipation, as they made their way together to the local op-shop where she would be able choose one new thing for her dress-up box. Clothes have always been imbued with emotion for Catherine and being involved in creating a sense of self-love and confidence within women inspires everything she makes.
We purposefully make all of our garments in Melbourne, Australia using locally retained skills, available materials and industry networks—some now in their third decade of mutual sharing. During the first 15 years of Catherine's career, manufacturing outside of Australia was unheard of and the need to import fabrications and trims rare. All of these years later, we work creatively within the limitations of a much diminished industry, choosing to keep our production no more than a short drive away and often within walking distance.
As we expect our clothes to be relevant for decades, quality is paramount. Working with carefully selected local manufacturing houses we can keep our quality promises and oversee the entire process in real life. Every sample is made and developed in-house and smaller production runs are completed internally.
Catherine works alongside her long term problem-solver and creative-thinker Lee. As her first ever sample machinist when fresh out of uni, Lee has taught Catherine life lessons, technical skills and therefore design possibilities. Lee and Catherine's history is long and their values are shared. French seams and mothering are discussed in one sentence.
We wish to make beautiful pieces to the highest standard with all involved rewarded whilst creating the slightest environmental footprint possible and greatest beauty wherever we turn.