Images from Limedrop's upcoming autumn/winter rangeI recently had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Clea Garrick of Melbourne independent fashion label Limedrop... we were introduced by Kate Hannaford at the Inspired Media speaker series event that I was telling you about recently?
Limedrop is the creation of Clea and her partner Nathan Price. The pair met years ago in their hometown in the Northern Territory, and ventured to Melbourne together via Brisbane and Sydney. Along the way, Nathan studied marketing and management, and Clea studied fashion at QUT, earning her stripes during stints in the production rooms of Eastern Pearson, Obus and Crumpler. The pair launched Limedrop in Melbourne in 2005 and haven't looked back!
These days Limedrop have a loyal following in Melbourne and beyond - with stockists as far as Singapore and Indonesia! I am so in awe of Clea and Nathan's prolific output - I don't know how they manage to create such an impressive and extensive collection every season, as well as staying on top of sales, marketing, management and all the paperwork... after all, there are only 2 of them!
The following interview questions answered by Limedrop duo Clea Garrick and Nathan Price
Tell me a little about your background- what did you study and what path led you to what you are doing now?
I studied fashion design at QUT in Brisbane whereas Nathan studied marketing and management while coming from an engineering background. We have both worked on various creative projects working with fashion, photography, merchandising, visual design and product design. Limedrop began as a collaboration between Nathan and I, our strengths and passions are very similar so it made sense to start Limedrop. We both love creating things and have an attention to detail that is vital in fashion to stand apart.
Working for yourself can be really difficult for creative people. What are the challenges you guys have faced working for yourself – do you struggle with the business side of things, for motivation, or marketing yourself?
The toughest thing about working for ourselves is being on top of everything! There are so many aspects to the fashion business and deadlines are always fast approaching. It can be difficult to have your mind in so many spaces, especially when we are often working on three collections at different stages of development and delivery. It is this challenge that keeps things fresh and exciting for us too. If it was simple everyone would do it.
Snakes and Ladders - Limedrop's Spring/Summer 2009 range.Do you collaborate with other creatives? Please detail any recent creative collaborations!
We are very lucky to collaborate with very talented photographers, make up artists, hair stylists, stylists, graphic designers and event organisers. Everyone we have worked with has really opened our eyes to something new.
Our latest collaboration was a midnight photoshoot with Jo Duck in Melbourne’s city streets on one of those hot nights that seem like a distant memory- even though it was just a few weeks ago. The photoshoot was for the Limedrop Duffel Bags and we had our model in a metallic silver bodysuit, silver jacket, heels and, of course, bag outside live peep shows on Swanston Street. Oh, the looks we got! Jo has such a great eye for framing, colour and composition! The photos are amazing!
Which photographers, artists or creative people are you inspired by?
Too many to name!
Where else do you find inspiration (books, particular magazines, the net, everyday life?)
We love taking a trip to the magazine store, grabbing a coffee and getting lost. Then there is the wonderful internet full on amazing people with amazing ideas. There are so many delightful ways to be inspired. I think our favourite is fabric hunting!
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Coffee, answering emails and then it depends on what time of year it is- it could be fabric selection, designing, cutting samples, setting up our online store, developing displays, organising photoshoots or dispatching orders. Every day can be different. We usually work in cycles, so I guess there is no typical day- just that we are probably busy working on something.
Our studio is white and sprawling. It is the top level of a warehouse with a tin roof in Fitzroy and we endure the seasons. Hot, hot, hot and cold, cold, cold.
What are you most proud of professionally?
The progressive nature of Limedrop. We started while still at university and I think we have grown Limedrop into a pretty natty little label.
All 3 Dimensions - Spring/Summer 07-08 range. LOVE the 3D-themed styling and graphics!What's the best thing about your job?
Freedom to do whatever you want.
And the worst?
Freedom to do whatever you want.
What would be your dream project?
Creating a Limedrop scent.
What are you looking forward to?
2009! We have a lot of interesting projects lined up. In the first part of the year we will be launching our Autumn Winter 09 collection at Loreal Fashion Festival as well as being involved in Penthouse Mouse. We’re excited about the upcoming Spring Summer 09/10 collection which will debut in the later part of 2009. So overall 2009 should be a good one and we have a few surprises up our sleeves.
Melbourne Questions
Best boutiques/stockists in Melbourne who stock and support local designers?
All of our stockists are wonderful. They are very supportive of local designers.
*note from Lucy - (Limedrop's stockists include Milly Sleeping, Kids in Berlin, In the Woods, Lady Boutique and Pussycat Black in Melbourne, Our Mishmash, Via Alley and Pigeon Ground in Sydney... for other states and international stockists to visit the Limedrop website).
Favourite shop for sourcing fabrics / haberdashery for Limedrop collections?
We have more than half a dozen fabric suppliers that we see every season. Each one is unique you never know where that special fabric that defines a collection is going to come from.
What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?
Every lunch time in the studio. We always try to cook up a feast.
Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?
Hung over and in the studio.
Melbourne’s best kept secret?
That falafel place on Sydney Road in Coburg. If I told you the name it wouldn’t be a secret, that and I don’t really know the name, just where it is. They bake the bread fresh when you order your falafel wrap.
Limedrop Jewellery - Sinking Ship necklace, Ships Ahoy pop out earrings
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