Author Archives: gemmamay

Finders Keepers The Label Interview

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Anyone who has read my blog from the beginning will know that I have had a long love affair with Finders Keepers The Label. It began many years ago when a girlfriend gifted me a pair of their shorts for my birthday. These are still a staple in my wardrobe and since then, I have added many more amazing Finders Keepers pieces to my closet.

It’s easy to see why so many of us have fallen in love with Finders Keepers, with a designer as effortlessly cool and lovely as Kate Andy at the helm. I was rather excited to be seated right across from her at last months Cosmopolitan Magazine Fun Fearless Female Awards where Kate won Designer of the Year. I couldn’t help but take the opportunity to ask her to answer a few questions that I could share with you and I cannot thank Kate enough for taking the time out of her ever so busy schedule to do this interview…

Tell me a little about the new Finders Keepers collection ?

The Harvest is our November 2014 collection– and just like a yield from crops, the collection has so many different elements coming together to create something incredible. We were able to pull so many of the colours from the digital floral print in this range to inspire the range’s colour palette – including navy, nasturtium orange, paradise pink and jungle green and also experimented with contrasting ginghams and sheer fabrics. There’s a lot in this collection that will allow any girl to make a statement and be ahead of the trends.

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What are your personal favourite pieces from the collection ?

I love the Yesterday Top and Dress. The sheer ’22’ is a personal favourite design of mine (pictured below) – and I’m a huge fan of gingham– so pairing them together is a dream outfit!

Who do you look up to in the fashion industry ?

I really admire designers who have managed to really own a trend and make it their own. The Isabel Marant Bekett wedge sneaker is my favourite shoe… It’s a design that technically shouldn’t work – and isn’t for everyone – but they are so recognisable and iconic for the label.

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Who is the ultimate Finders Keepers girl?

Finders Keepers girl have fun with their styling and love to get on board with trends. She might not always be the most experimental with her dressing, but she always looks polished and manages to make statements through her use of prints and texture.

Do you design pieces for yourself or your own style?

While it’s crucial to keep the customer in mind when designing, I think anyone who dreams of being a fashion designer does so to make beautiful clothes that they want to wear. I always try and work in my signature into every Finders Keepers range someway or another!

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What has been your career highlight so far ?

Winning the Fashion Designer category for Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Fun Fearless Female Award was a huge moment for me! It’s so humbling to think that what you do every day is being recognised by others in your field and worthy of commendation… It inspires me to keep moving forward!

What is your favourite fashion purchase ever made?

My Celine Sunglasses – they come everywhere with me.

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What is your every day fashion advice for the Australian girl?

Life’s too short to not have fun with your styling. You can look amazing while still keeping within your comfort zone.

What do you envisage for the future direction of Finders Keepers?

More on-trend pieces in amazing prints, colours and sihlouettes! Our Finders Keepers X Fit activewear range is also on its way into stores from this month, which is incredibly exciting. I really believe that Finders Keepers is a complete lifestyle brand.. This is just the next step!

The gorgeous Harvest collection will be released this month, however you can view and shop the current Finders Keepers collection here.

Photos are not my own. Source Finders Keepers The Label.

Your go-to gift guide for the human who has everything

Did you know there’s only four weeks til Christmas? I don’t know about you but I haven’t even thought about Christmas let alone started shopping for it. in order to make both our lives a little easier you will find below my go-to guide for giving christmas gifts to the girls and boys in your life who already have everything. Best of all most have an online link so you dont even have to move your lazy last minute butt to a busy store or shopping centre…

GHD Hair Eclipse Style Gift Set . GHD rose gold air hair-dryer . Zulu And Zephyr rippled triangle bikini . One coffee per day for the next year ( or 6 months ) at his or her favourite cafe . The Beach People Azetc Round Towel . Lack Of Color Spencer Wide Brimmed Fedora . How To Be Parisian by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret and Sophie Mas . Maison D’Amore candles . May The Label Bliss Dress.

A’OK Espadrilles in pastel pink . A manicure and pedicure voucher (or 12 so she can treat herself every month next year). For Sydney locals I recommend The Parlour Room in Clovelly which has an amazing reputation (02) 9665 9989. Or look for somewhere special in her local area. First Base Triangle bra in black . Zulu And Zephyr Adrift Crochet Kaftan . Krystal Knight Oceanic Double Point Wrist Cuff in sterling silver or gold . A 12 month subscription to The Collective Magazine . Zimmermann Raffia tote . Steele Riot Drape Maxi Dress and a Comme Des Garçon Leather Pouch in black available from Tuchuzy.

Pressed Juices Basic Cleanse . Bose Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker .  Bose Noise Cancelling Head Phones . Mont Blanc Platinum Plated Ballpoint Pen . Nexus six . Converse Sneakers . A’OK Midnight Espadrilles in black . Gentlemen’s Brand Co. Daily Regime Gift Pack and a pair Ray Bans from Sunglasses Hut.

Photos are not my own. Source as credited above.

love | faddoul the label

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As one of my very favourite up-and-coming Australian labels, I jumpt at the opportunity to interview Jess Faddoul. The very talent designer behind the label Faddoul

How did you come to start your label, Faddoul ?

I wanted to start my own label for as long as I can remember so after studying at Central St Martins, London I decided to take a leap of faith.

What do you love most about owning and designing your own brand ? 

I love the freedom that I feel to create collections that I love and to follow my intuition. I surround myself with a great team of yes people, I give them direction and and they’re like, “done!” 

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Tell me a little about your new season collection…

The RIOT collection is inspired by a modern-day reinvention of the English punk era. Think midi length dresses with plunging necklines, form-fitting skirts, soft ruffles and exaggerated fluted hems paired with monochrome brogues and messy hair. This collection features stand out pieces that will be on high rotation in your wardrobe for years to come.

What are your personal favourite | must-have pieces from the current collection?

The tom tom shirt (pictured below) has become our unofficial uniform at the Faddoul boutique in Paddington. It’s just such a versatile staple and placid blue is my favourite colour. 

Where do you find your inspiration for new collections?

I draw inspiration from every day life; whether that be an interesting girl with great style that I spot on the street or a surreal moment from my travels. 

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Who is the ultimate Faddoul girl ?

The Faddoul girl is very confident in her personal style; she doesn’t follow trends and she dresses in a way that makes you sit up and take notice. 

Do you design pieces for yourself or your own style ?

The Faddoul brand is a reflection of my personality so my own personal style definitely shines through when I design a collection. 

What is your favourite fashion purchase ever made ? 

My Chanel boy aka my second favourite boyfriend. 

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What is your every day fashion advice for the Australian girl ?

Don’t take fashion too seriously and be confident and comfortable in whatever you wear. 

Where would you like to see your label in 5 years time ?

We have big aspirations for Faddoul with plans to build our national and international presence. Stay tuned… 

To view and shop the entire Faddoul collection visit the online store here or visit their beautiful pop-store at 6 William Street Paddington. 

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photos are not my own | source faddoul the label

talk to me | instagram @gemmalouise_may . twitter @gemmalouise_may . email [email protected]

love | the fifth label grand bazaar collection

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I absolutely love The Fifth Label. Their speciality; urban sporty cool, every day basics, and model off duty style. Their new collection, Grand Bazaar combines reliable stripes, middle-eastern prints, and relaxed denim. 

You can trade your hard earned dollar for the collection here

xx

photos are not my own | source the fifth label

talk to me | instagram @gemmalouise_may . twitter @gemmalouise_may . email [email protected]