END OF SUMMER

With Louise Sly

Hui Tieng Uy and Dvahje Durham wearing Sly & Company. Photographs by Karol Ruszkiewicz

We spoke with Louise sly, designer and creator of
Sly and company and learned more about her sustainable and ethical brand.

check out the vibrant end of summer campaign for sly and company, featuring models from noir the agency.

Louise Sly in the Sly and Company store & workroom at Further Doings in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a designer?

It was quite an organic process. I was always drawn to art and design subjects at school, but really didn't plan it. While I studied Spatial Design, I always collected metres and metres of fabric without really knowing why. I slowly taught myself to sew and up cycle op shop garments. This eventually ended me up in the World workroom, where amongst many other duties, I went on to pattern making. Then eventually my own designs and store/label.

Could you tell me more about where you source the fabrics and garments that you work on?

I use natural fibres as much as possible, always looking for dead stock, and/or end of line quality fabrics, charity stores. If not I endeavour to use quality new fabrics that last the test of time, to be worn again and again.

What are you inspired by at the moment and does it tie into your current designs?

I'm generally inspired by the fabrics I come across, accidental colour combinations, and daily walks/surroundings/objects that catch my eye.

Describe Sly & Company in 3 words if possible?

Spontaneous, resourceful, unrestricted.

Your brand supports sustainable and ethical fashion and working with local sewers, can you tell me more about this?

I really respect garment makers, they should be paid fairly for learning the craft and getting their 10,000 hours in. Fast fashion has really discredited the art and skill of the sewer.

With over 18 years in the fashion industry, what has been your most eye opening experience about New Zealand’s fashion industry?

It's a lot of hard work, with so many skilled and talented people.

What has been the most fulfilling aspect of being a designer?

Doing what I love every day, and working with the inspiring, like minded women at Further Doings Studio.

What advice would you give to up and coming designers?

Don't follow trends, do it for yourself.

When you’re not working on your designs, what do you do in your spare time?

Hang out with my family.

What do you hope for the future of your brand?

To only produce garments using recycled and already existing fabrics and dead stock. Work on more one of one garments and art jewellery.