2threads.com

Meet the damsel duo from downtown Melbourne, designers Natalie and Sarah from label Moneypenny. Having scored Best Designer for women’s wear at the 2Threads Australian Fashion Awards, the girls took a little time out from their hectic design days to share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of having your own fashion label and making it work the Moneypenny way.

What is the inspiration behind this label?

Nat: We wanted to connect fashion on a more personable level by designing accessible and unique clothes whilst providing an ethical and ecological option in the street wear market. We liked the idea of subconsciously informing the consumer about eco-friendly fashion rather than jumping on the soapbox.
Sarah: We both spend a lot of time at the snow, or at the beach, and we were ready to make clothing that fitted our lifestyles. Every time we design a range we are thinking of the kinds of things we would be mucking around and doing in the clothes.

How did the label initially come about?

Nat: We’re not entirely sure! We used to live together and we both studying different types of design. Then all of a sudden we had this idea that we couldn’t let go of, next thing you know we have registered a business name and a bunch of our own tees sitting in our lap.
Sarah: It’s true! Neither of us can really remember how the whole thing started, but it definitely had a snowball effect, and next thing you know we were saying goodbye to full time work, and focusing on Moneypenny.

Has it been a challenging journey?

Sarah: Of course, if it came easily to us, it really wouldn’t feel like it was something worth doing We love the challenge, and especially battling a very destructive industry that is so focused on cost cutting, we have to face roadblocks almost everyday. Sticking to our guns and making sure we don’t compromise our beliefs is super important to us.
Nat: For sure, neither of us had any experience so the learning curve has been exponential. We’ve done pretty much everything the hard way first but that’s all part of the fun I guess.

What does the future hold for the label?

Nat: We’d like to be on the frontier of ethical and ecological street wear. There is constant progression in this area and always so much to learn. It’s important to keep up with new techniques and systems as it opens doors to better design.

What inspired the latest collection?

Nat: Our Winter 09 Collection is called ‘Halftone’ and it’s based on the intrigue and mystery surrounding twilight; elongated shadows, intense colour and electricity flickering through the air. The pieces are androgynous and richly coloured with close attention to detail.

What trends will the winter 09 seasons bring?

Nat: We are loving androgyny; oversized layers, dropped crotch pants, hand-dyed elements, dark moody colours.

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?

Nat: The four s’s: Surfing, snowboarding, skating and sleeping.

How would your friends describe you?

Nat: Pragmatic, unpredictable, independent and in need of a holiday.
Sarah: Haha, Definitely!

If you could work with any designer, who would it be?

Nat: The guys at NomD because they are so consistent with their inventive and outstanding design.

What advice would you give to designers just starting out?

Nat: Persistence is key. The ability to focus and drown out the background noise is also super helpful.
Sarah: Plan ahead! If you think you have enough time to get something finished, my guess is you are about 4 weeks late, haha. We try to map out timelines and give ourselves way more time than what we think it will take, because something inevitably goes wrong… Something ALWAYS goes wrong! Also don’t be surprised when you get shot down from retailers or people in the industry. Not everyone will love what you are doing, but it’s not a personal attack. Sometimes it’s hard to separate your emotions from your label, because you work so hard at it. But it is necessary; otherwise you will end up a crying mess!

How did it feel being a winner at the 2Threads fashion awards?

Nat: It was amazing, a total surprise. It good to hear that people like what we are doing!

What do you like most about 2Threads?

Nat: It brings people from all over the fashion community together on one platform.
Sarah: The guys at 2 Threads know how to throw a great party, too. We flew up to Sydney for the awards last month, and had an absolute blast. Thanks to everyone we met from 2threads!

We love them! Check out the label at: www.moneypennyclothing.com.au

A piece from the collection.

The designers behind the label.