Meet the iD Board

You were a finalist in the inaugural iD International Emerging Designer Awards in 2005. How have the collections in the competition changed since then, to your mind?

The standard of the collections now is absolutely mind-blowing. So much more polished and professional than when I took part back in 2005. You can really see how design education and access to technology have evolved – the creativity and execution just get stronger every year. Once the international designers began to participate, it really raised the level of the New Zealand entries too. You can see how that global influence has pushed everyone to think bigger and refine their work even more. Other than that, the general vibe amongst the designers is still exactly the same, which is wonderful to see – everyone is cheering each other on and just happy to be there, part of this really special group of talented designers coming together from all over the world.

You worked as a pattern cutter in London for a number of big brands, what lessons did you take away from your time there?

Working in London was such an eye-opening experience. I learned the importance of precision and consistency — big brands really run like well-oiled machines. I also got a first-hand view of just how massive the global supply chain is and how every part of it needs to work together. People often discount the fashion industry as frivolous, but it touches so many other sectors – from cotton growers and textile mills to transportation, logistics, and everything in between. It really highlighted how encompassing the industry is and the significant impact it has on a country’s GDP. Seeing that scale up close showed me just how much teamwork and coordination is required to get a collection from concept to store. 

What is the kaupapa of your online pattern business, Paper Theory?

After my experience working in the UK, I wanted to move away from the big industry and find a more sustainable way of dressing. That’s really the kaupapa of Paper Theory – to create sewing patterns that are thoughtful, versatile, and accessible for people who love having agency over their wardrobes. I focus on patterns that are easy to follow, adaptable to different body types, and encourage people to enjoy the creative process. It’s all about empowering makers to create garments they’ll love and actually wear, rather than pieces that end up forgotten in the wardrobe.

If you could wear one designer every day, who would it be?

My day to day wardrobe is entirely Paper Theory! For special occasions and events I have a small rotation of NZ designers, mostly Zambesi and Company of Strangers. However my absolute favourite designer is Martin Margiela and if money was no object I would own a lot of his original pieces from the 90s. As a pattern maker the details of his garments are just so interesting! I have a few pieces but I cant bring myself to wear them for fear of wearing them out. It's embarrassing to admit but I just take them out occasionally and look at them, then put my treasure away again.

What is your favourite accessory?

Sunglasses are the one thing I will never leave the house without. They are always the finishing look to every outfit – whether its casual or formal or even for exercising. However my taste in sunglasses is a bit boring and classic. Usually a black, subtle cats eye or a tortoise shell. Half the time its a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers which I have been wearing for over 20 years now (unfortunately not the same pair because I'm a chronic misplacer).