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Friday 18 March 5:10 p.m.
Kiwi chick Michelle Yvette is trying to bring some colour back into the wardrobes of New Zealand women with her new range. I caught up with Michelle on the eve of the New Zealand Fashion Festival to talk us through how it all began…
What are you wearing right now?
Well I am driving back from my North Island sales trip so I have on garments from the new summer 2011 collection that will be in store in August/Sept.
The dress I am wearing is my favourite from this range. It is called the Hiko Dress. Cotton/silk blend in a gorgeous bright colour print. My new style is socks with heels so I have on the lace trim socks we used in the photoshoot for this range along with my lilac heels. V cute :)
When did you decide you wanted to be a designer?
From an early age I had an interest in art and fashion. I used to dress up my dolls and cats when I was very young! When I went to school I was always into drawing and would sit quietly and do this for hours.
In high school I excelled in all the creative topics I chose. Painting, drawing, photography, printmaking and home economics where I learnt to sew.
By the end of my Bursary year I knew exactly where I was heading and what path I wanted to take to get there.
I enrolled in Massey University in Wellington and completed a four year degree in design, majoring in fashion.
Now here I am, just where I wanted to be :)
How did you get started?
Once I finished Uni I worked in graphic design, merchandising and production roles which gave me a good base to work from.
One day I just decided it was time, and I registered Michelle Yvette Ltd and designed and made my 1st collection.
I began selling to retailers on SOR and progressed from there.
How would you describe your style?
Feminine, womanly, pretty and sparkly. Beautiful natural fabrics are used to create tailored coats and statement dresses.
Michelle Yvette is all about creating your own spotlight and not being afraid to be noticed for having a glamorous feminine style.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration is all around me. My collections are usually based on something in my life I have seen or been effected by.
Other times I watch a movie or read something that inspires me to investigate further and create a theme around this.
Who is your favourite designer?
It was Versace before he passed away. I loved the dresses he made and the way he excelled in making women feel beautiful.
I also love the work John Galliano did with Dior. He has since been fired for his personal antics. It will be interesting to see what Dior comes up with in their next collection.
How would you describe New Zealand fashion?
Much too conservative and not enough use of colour. NZ women are renowned for dressing so not to be noticed and so often in black.
NZ designers tend to either dress the same way or just design to appeal to this market.
There are many very talented designers in NZ who cater for this grungy, cool safe customer, but I like to encourage women to dress up, put colour on and brighten your day.
You can still dress in a classic style but there is nothing wrong with 'pretty'. Bows and crystals can be cool too!
Describe how you feel when presenting a new line for the first time?
Excited, I love to see people’s response to my creations. (it’s usually good) when presenting in a fashion show I get quite excited.
In this environment it is not just the collection we are presenting, it is the brand, styling, how it should be worn and the audience gets a complete essence of who a Michelle Yvette woman is.
Have you ever had any bad feedback?
Not so much bad feed back, but constructive criticism. I have only ever read one not so nice comment from a reporter, but that is what they do sometimes, right?
How do you respond to that?
It doesn't really bother me. I have been in business for long enough to know I have something many people like or love. You can't please all of the people all of the time.
I respond well to constructive criticism, as it is always good to know what we can do better next time. It helps us grow into a stronger brand.
Have you launched Michelle Yvette Internationally?
Yes we have and we are currently working on South Africa, Shanghai, Paris and Australia.
How has it been received overseas?
I have always been told my brand is very suited to the European market. These women love to dress up everyday, and so do I.
The international momentum is growing and this is very exciting for us and our future growth.
What is the plan now for Michelle Yvette?
This year there is a clear focus on export and growing the wholesale side of the company. We have a great team and we all work together well.
The world is our oyster as you say, and I feel we are just waking up to the possibilities that are on the horizon.
It is very exciting!