(Marho top and
backpack, Cheap Monday sweater, Helmut Lang blazer, Country Road pants (similar here),
Windsor Smith slides via MarketHQ)
I’ve always been interested in the
people behind the brands- how and why they’re doing what they’re doing and what
continues to drive and inspire them on the day to day. My blog is and has always
been an extension of what I love and so I thought why not include a series
where I explore just that with different inspirational people in different
areas. First up, I was lucky enough to chat with the delightful Sarah Martin about all things Marho. I’m loving what this girl is doing
and see big things ahead. Read on below x
Tell us a little
about your background – did you study and what was it that drew you into
fashion, ultimately leading you to launching Marho?
I studied fashion for three years
getting my Certificate 4 in clothing design and footwear, Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Technology, Advanced
Diploma in Fashion Design, Merchandising and Marketing. Then I went on to get
my Certificate in Professional Photo, Film, TV & Personal Styling. And
now I’m studying to get my Certificate iv in marketing and small business management.
I’ve always been drawn into fashion from
an early age. When I was younger I would design wedding dresses on bits of
scrap paper. But I knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry when I got
excited to do Fashion home work in High school.
I started Marho because I found it very
hard to get a graduate position in the fashion industry. I knew I always wanted
to have a fashion label, so in the end it all worked out for the best, because
it pushed me to follow my dreams and just take the leap.
How would you
describe the Marho aesthetic and what's been your biggest influences in terms
of design/other designers?
Marho’s aesthetic is
simple designs based on using raw materials. I want Marho’s pieces to stay
in women’s wardrobes for years, so customers are getting the most out of their
money. My biggest influence is travel, social media, music and
life in general. I’m forever inspired by so many beautiful friends and
lucky to live in a community where I’m surrounded by so many creative people. I’m inspired everyday.
The brand is heavily
focused on quality leather and suedes- is there a reason behind this choice?
I want to create
timeless pieces that will be in women’s wardrobes for years and work
back with other basic pieces in their wardrobes. I’ve
always loved the quality of leather in Indonesia and
who doesn’t like leather??? It can be smart, dressy, casual, and will
look good on anyone.
What's been the biggest
challenge that you’ve encountered creating and establishing your own brand?
Dealing with
cultural differences, which can result in mistakes. But I’ve learnt
that problems are there to overcome, and in the long run they will make your
stronger as a person and even better at being a business owner. Every day I’m learning
new things which gives me the confidence to establish the brand into something
bigger than I have ever expected.
Where do you see
yourself and your career in say, 5 years?
I want Marho to be
Nationally and Internationally recognised and showing at Sydney and
Melbourne Fashion week. I’m lucky enough to get up every morning and get
excited to go to work because it is my dream to run Marho. I still hope in 5
years I’m enjoying it as much as I am now.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
Arrive my studio, reply to emails, send off any website orders,
contact any possible stockists (I’m always looking for new stores to wholesale
to) Look at online fashion blogs for inspiration for upcoming
collections, paperwork (boring), contacting Indonesia to check up on production
and study. I’m always studying something.
I'm a big quote person- do you have any favorites?
Oh i have so many, I’m the biggest quote lover...
"Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there’s footprints on the moon”.
And finally, what tips
would you give to anybody who wants to start their own label?
Don’t be scared. If you’re passionate
about fashion design, then do it. I live by this quote…. “Great things
never came from comfort zones”.
But…. I’d
highly recommending doing a small business and marketing course to
help you with establishing a business and to keep it running successfully.
You can be the most amazing designer, but will never
be recognised in the industry without the basics in marketing and
how to run a business.
See more Marho here
Love the combination of outfit pictures and an interesting interview! I wished you had taken photos of the person interviewed too x
ReplyDeleteVery cool looks.
ReplyDeleteNice post!
Much Love, M
http://blvckorsomething.blogspot.nl
absolutely ADORE your style
ReplyDeleteAmazing outfit ! Love the bag so much ! Great photos too !
ReplyDeleteWin Makeup Revolution FULL skin care collection !
http://thecrimeofashion.blogspot.fr