Monthly Notes : April

World news and darker mornings as winter comes in have made it harder to be optimistic lately. Waking up knowing I'm behind on my production feels stressful, but there are even more pressing issues out in the world right now, so it has felt hard to give my own stressors space. Some mornings I lay in longer than others, but I persist and make it to the atelier. I've been counting down the days for the clocks to turn for the end of daylight savings so the mornings will be light again, and the warmth of the sun will give me that extra nudge out of bed. Hooray, that day is finally here!

CURRENTLY MAKING

Packing up the Nurture Totes last week and sending them off was a relief. They've been on my bench since December, and I know that sounds like a long time, but juggling all aspects of small business makes it really hard to get consecutive days in a row for production. So I've been putting them down, packing it away, and then picking it up, transitioning my brain to where I left off ~ multiple times until they were finished. It's been especially challenging as it's a new design ~ I don't know the construction like the back of my hand yet, as I do for the Bay Bag. I had the same challenges when I first started making the Bay Bag, so I know it will get easier as I continue to make them. The repetition is key, and it's honestly the most enjoyable part for me. The design is already solved, and I can reach flow state and just make

BEHIND THE PROCESS

I've been gathering inspiration for the next collection. I keep coming back to the image of Alva Claire (bottom left). The styling is a nod to old glamour ~ she appears soft, but strong and confident. I love the silhouette of her hair. So wildly curvy. And I love that a curvy woman is represented here. Something I'm conscious of as I continue building this brand and community, as bigger bodies as beautiful forms was not shown in media when I was growing up. I also love the belt cinched around the velvet cushion ~ a reference to a bigger bust, but a luxurious one. The curves of the fig and the shells are silhouettes of women's curves in one way or another. There's a sadness in some of the elements and the faces ~ it's like we're here and we're strong, but still feel unseen. You’ll see the first pieces in May for Melbourne Design Week. the full program launches soon.

ON THE HORIZON

I had an ambitious idea to launch a new upcycled program, combining all my rejected cut leather panels into finished pieces to give them new life, in time for Fashion Revolution Week coming up. But I've finally accepted that it won't happen in time. I often have too many ideas and not enough battery to execute everything to the level I want to. I haven't given up ~ I'm just parking it for now, and will hopefully find a time to launch it later this year.

Instead, for Fashion Revolution Week, we are launching 'with simétrie' a new journal series where I want to explore the ethos and origins of other makers and creatives. In the spirit of their campaign 'Who Made Your Bag', my dear friend Lois Hazel will be interviewing me to commence the series. I am interested in what she'll be questioning me with, as she ran her own clothing business for several years, also made in Melbourne, so she knows how hard it is to run a locally made fashion business. She was also my neighbour at the studio I share, and so she knows me quite well. I suspect she'll dig a little deeper and push past the fluffy questions. Keep an eye out for that in the journal later in the month.

COURSES AND GATHERINGS

Meeting with the lovely Founded community has been exactly what I needed during the tough times of running a creative practice. They get it. A place to feel seen. I am collaborating with them in a few weeks to host a Bag Charm Workshop. If you're looking for like-minded women to connect with, and a chance to create something with your hands, join us. Book your spot here.

FROM MY BENCH

Here are a few of my favourite pieces at the moment. If something here catches your eye, I'd love to make it for you. Current lead times reflect the reality of one person making everything by hand ~ smaller pieces take 2–4 weeks, bags 4–6 weeks, and totes 8–10 weeks. A few pieces are ready to ship now if you'd prefer not to wait.

MADE TO ORDER 

 

Thanks for being part of this journey 

Simone xx

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