O&A Time With Cybele
September 3, 2010
I like Cybele. She is a down to earth, creative and a beautiful person. I wanted you to experience a bit of her and see just how fantastic she really is!
How did you discover your passion for design?
For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with making things.
What do you love about fashion?
I love the open ended possibilities and the freedom, I love making clothes that make people feel amazing. While it can be stressful, in a lot of ways I also love the fast pace of the industry. It means I never get sick of anything because before you know it we’re on to the next collection!
What’s the inspiration behind your current collection, New Clear Woman?
I was initially inspired by the work of American pop artist James Rosenquist. The Andromeda Print is my interpretation of an Apparition beaming through space – a dreamscape of stars and orchids.
What makes Cybele so unique?
We get a lot of feedback on the label’s unique detailing and the prints, which are designed in-house every season. I think ultimately uniqueness in general comes from having a unique vision and way of putting things together.
Who is the Cybele Woman?
I think of my customer as smart and savvy with an eye for detail and difference.
What will you be wearing this Summer?
I am already thrashing my Apparition One Size T.. Comfort is my number 1 priority these days. I wear a lot of casual pieces during the day and I love the soft lightweight jersey.
How would you describe your 1st NZ Fashion Week Experience?
Overall just incredibly exciting; but definitely nerve wracking too! I didn’t have much idea what to expect, but even back then I had an amazing team to help me pull it all together.
What inspires your designs?
I’m inspired by a lot of different things. Colour and texture are always a starting point. Among things like art, history, films and books I often find myself drawn to aspects and details from the natural world for inspiration. I also work with a very inspiring group of people who I credit with being a huge inspiration to me.
How did your label begin?
I came back from Australia in 2002, having worked in the industry there for 2 years. While interviewing for various design-assistant positions I bought my first set of old reconditioned industrial machines and set them up in the front room of our shared flat in Grey Lynn. It wasn’t long before I had some labels woven up and had started an experimental collection. When I finally decided I was ready to show some buyers my tiny collection I approached 4 retailers in the North Island and was overwhelmed with their positive response! Each season has seen the label takes on new challenges and reach new heights – which has all been very exciting!
I worked from home for a number of years, slowly building the team until we could longer fit in the house. The final straw was watching TV through small gaps in garments hanging on racks n the lounge. So we moved to a bigger work room in K Rd the week after Fashion Week back in 2007. Now we are a team of 4-5 with extra pairs of hands at busy times of the year. The label is now stocked throughout NZ, Australia and Japan and also has accounts in the US, UK, Hong Kong and Dubai.
And if you could answer the following words with one word…
Handbag - leather
Fabric – silk
Daughter – kiss
Relax - tv
Vice - chocolate
Summer - sun
City – lights
Cybele’s Spring/Summer Collection will be arriving over the course of the next month (we already have a The Apparation Tee!) So keep checking back in to ensure you don’t miss out on her beautiful New Woman range!
xx
Great interview, it’s always so nice to see where people get their inspiration from.
Love your blog and all the awesome clothes. Can’t wait for more
Thank you lovely! xx