Sarah Darby: Fashion illustrator

www.sarahdarby.com.au

Sarah Darby has a unique talent and it's the gift of illustration. Sarah felt a need for change and wanted to have a career on her own terms.   Having not picked up a pencil since she was 16, she decided to take some night classes and post her work up on social media. Sarah's followers have fallen in love with her fashion illustrations and watched as her artistic skills came to life.  Since her rise to fame, she has worked with renowned brands, has been named one of Harper’s Bazaar’s ‘12 Australian Fashion Illustrators to follow’ and was an official illustrator at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival for 2015 and 2016.   
I interviewed Sarah about her fashion journey so far, giving an insight into everything from how she creates an illustration, to tips on how to stay motivated.

Firstly, I have to say your illustrations are beautiful and unique.  You’ve come such a long way since when we’ve first met congratulations!  How does it feel to have worked with some of the renowned brands that are in every fashionistas wardrobe?

Thank you! It feels amazing - and I still feel genuinely surprised when anyone does!! I'm definitely learning as I go. 

What were you doing before you picked up the pencil?

I worked for Coles in Marketing for years, and before that, I was a publicist in London. 

What made you want to start illustrations? 

I had my second girl, Gracie, who is 3 now. I was struggling to manage the kids and my job, but I wanted to have a career. I thought what can I do on my own terms? I remembered that I used to enjoy drawing, but I hadn’t picked up a pencil since I was 16. I took up some evening classes to learn about fashion illustration and I just started to draw and post on insta. 

How did you turn your passion and hobby into a career? 

I think the marketing background helps. I’m pretty proactive in approaching people that I admire and want to work with. That combined with my age - somehow I don’t feel so afraid of ‘no’ anymore. I don’t take it as personally as I used to. As with anything, people only see the successes. There are lots of knockbacks and weeks where I hit the refresh button on email a lot!! Also, its trial and error. Not every avenue is the right path for you!

Photographer: @ Simonshiffphotographer 

How long does it usually take to create an illustration?

If I'm at home, it's an hour. I do pencil then black liner then colour. The jackets take much longer as I have drafted an outline, cut a template, transfer the image, ALL before I actually paint the picture!

Also, how do you keep motivated and inspired? 

I’ll confess, I definitely have my wobbles. I'm a real victim of self-doubt. But I remind myself that it's a pretty awesome gift to be able to spend your time doing something that you love and still have time for your kids. As a pick me up - I read the Collective mag cover to cover. It's so inspiring and it's full of awesome people doing cool things!

You were named Harper’s Bazaar ‘12 Australian Fashion Illustrators to follow’
How did that make you feel to read that?

Shocked! Flattered… and then I took a deep breath and realised that I'd name hundreds of artists who I think are better than me! So I think of it as good marketing - and I get back to trying to earn their respect!

You were the official illustrator at Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival for 2015 and 2016. Tell us what did that involve?

I feel so lucky to have had a chance to work with VAMFF! In 2015, I got to sit in the front row. Actually in seat 1A. Which was pretty exciting for someone who has never been invited to a fashion show at all! I covered some of the shows for their insta feed. I also covered the street style from outside the event. I loved that. It gave me such a great opportunity to meet people! Last year I did a few sketches from runway, but I also did the illustrations for the High Tea event which was fab. I illustrated the menus, place setting and table numbers. It was really fun to let loose with a creative brief - it was Alice in Wonderland meets Great Gatsby! How fab is that?!

image credit : Streetsmith courtesy of Frowtribe

Your latest project currently is working with FROWTRIBE creating bespoke illustrations on vintage denim and white shirts, tell us all about it! Sounds amazing to create your own unique one off piece! 

I feel like I have found my thing. I just love drawing on the denim jackets. I love the idea of making these pieces that people will wear. As soon as I have finished one, I have 10 more designs I want to draw up! Working with FROWTRIBE is great. Amy Shaw, the Director, is amazing. She has such an eye for fashion and having her select what jackets I illustrate, just means that customers are guaranteed a cool jacket. I love fashion, but I don’t have the eye to pick out the styles! I rely on bloggers like you to point in the right direction!! Working with Amy means I just get to focus on the design!

Any special projects we will be seeing soon? 

I'm not done with FROWTRIBE! We have some more awesome secrets to reveal! And I have some fun, more unusual illustration collabs coming up too! Enough to keep me out of trouble!

Any advice to any budding illustrators out there?

Have fun and support others who like to draw. Comment on each other works and encourage. Don’t see other artists as competition - go and make friends! And be bold. Approach people you want to collab. The worst they can do is ignore you or say no thanks. That’s not so bad really, is it!


Be sure to check out Sarah's Foxy Five questions below and her social media Channels! 

Sarah's Website
Instagram: @sarahdarbyfashionillustration
FROWTRIBE customised denim jackets
 

Foxy Five!

Chocolate or Savoury?

Salt and vinegar chips are my biggest weakness!

 

Favourite place in the world?

Canggu in Bali. But anywhere with sunshine and water that’s warm enough to get in without a wetsuit on!

I never leave the home without my…

kids!!! (Well, it certainly feels like it. ) Pencil and a thin black liner!

Favourite illustration you’ve drawn?  

Probably the one of the back of my own jacket. Its a pic of Inka Williams, who I draw a lot… she has beautiful eyes!

Heels or Flats?

Definitely flats! Nike high tops, silver brogues or boots. You can’t chase a toddler in stilettos, I have to be realistic!

Marvin Ink

 

Emerging designer Marie completed her fashion design course at Kangan Tafe a few years ago and has always had the dream to start her own label. With a passion and creative flair for Painting, creating and customising Levi's jeans, Marvin Ink was created.  Selling her customised creations at Markets and personal customer orders too, she explains to us what it's like to do so. 

What made you want to get into customising Levi's?

Well, I've always felt like the 'typical' a typical Australian Designers job within a company or large label does not allow the individual to be as creative as they would like to be. This is what made me start customising Levi's, it's an expression of my creativity, to be free with what I create and sell. Without anyone telling me how and what creative direction to take! 

What inspires you? How do you come up with your ideas for your designs? 

Colours and patterns have always interested me, I am inspired by Flora, organic shapes and colours.
I love creating patterns and mixing colours together. I've never been afraid to wear two different prints together. 

What do you use to create your designs?

To create my designs I use different paints, stencils and sponges. 

Where do you source your jeans from?

I source my jeans from USA, Op Shops and vintage stores. 

How does it feel to sell your product at different markets?

It's the best feeling selling my product at the markets!  It's great to know that there are so many supportive people out there, who love what you do and love how much hard work you put into your creations. 

What's next for your brand?

I'm planning to expand my range by beginning to paint on denim jackets and shirts. Also, I've been recently branching out and having my product available in retail stores, my jeans are now available in Design A Space Chapel Street.  

Quick foxy 5

My favourite food is…..? pasta

 

I never leave home without my...? Converses 

 

My most memorable moment so far in my life……? Was when my Fiancé proposed! 

Weirdest thing that's ever happened to you?

I would say probably this whole experience! I never expected to be selling painted jeans, pretty cool - but crazy. 


Special thanks to Marie


Instagram @MarvinInkTheLabel

xxx

KAT THE LABEL

www.katthelabel.com

Kate knew she always wanted to be in fashion and has been sewing ever since she was 14 years old. From gloves to bags and eventually party dresses.  At the time she was unsure that fashion could only be a hobby, she went on to study journalism and soon to realise her passion was for design and turned her hobby into a career and studied fashion design at RMIT . Being inspired by the world around her, including the most delicate pieces of lace and embroidery. Taking her creative journey of her own with her passion of lingerie beyond just an idea.  Showing practice makes perfect, but industry based knowledge is the golden key.

 

Why and how I started KAT

I studied fashion design and technology at RMIT in Brunswick for three years.  It was the most intense, but amazing course; I learnt so much during my time there. 

During the course, we did a unit on lingerie and I instantly fell in love with the concept. For my final assessment, I made a bodysuit, a padded bra and a bralette and it marked really well. With that positive feedback,  I started making bralettes at home and posting them on Instagram, and it all sort of grew from there. People started to buy them, and it was really hard to keep up with the demand, as I was hand making everything by myself.  
I sort of gave KAT a break and moved to Byron for my first industry job in Menswear design and production. It was from there I learnt the ins and outs of production and manufacturing offshore so I applied everything I had learnt from my first industry job to my own business. This is when I started manufacturing my designs over in China and it's been crazy, but so much fun ever since. 

 

When designing a collection, how do you feel emotionally when creating, and what goes through your mind as a creative?

I am a lover of fine, beautiful fabrics. I can get so inspired by the tiniest bit of vintage lace or a beautiful lace trim so I always start my collection looking at fabrications. 
As a creative some weird things excite me. Just recently I went through a basket of laces and ribbons I inherited when my great Aunt passed away and wow was she an amazing embroider- all by hand! Tiny little-embroidered swans, delicate bluebird and the most intricate mini doilies you’ve ever seen. Finding treasures like these really spark the inspiration and my designs sort of evolve from there. 



 

What inspires you?

It’s really important to stay inspired, and hard sometimes to avoid all the other lingerie brands on Instagram and Pinterest.  I prefer to stay away from areas like that for research and stick to fabrics and trims as they are the most important part of each design. I get really inspired by beautiful interiors, architecture and, of course, gorgeous fabrics. 

Travelling is a big one- I went to India for a few months just after I started KAT and it was actually amazing how inspired I felt. The fabrics over there are gorgeous and a lot were embroidered so it was absolute heaven for me,  I had my sketchbook in hand constantly! 



 

What is the process of getting your lingerie manufactured?

I learnt proper sewing techniques at University, (however this does not mean I am good at sewing by any means haha. I am so messy! ) 
But what I do is sew the samples here in Australia myself, sourcing fabrics from local fabric stores around Melbourne. Then I send my samples and swatches to my factory in China along with the garment specs listing measurements, colours, clasps and sketches. The factory then replicates my sample for me exactly as I’ve informed them, but much neater and from there they send them back to me for approval. If necessary I make any changes and we go from there! 
The funny thing about China is though you never know what you’ll get back, so sometimes it might take a couple of tries to get it how you pictured but that’s all part of the process.

 

What is the process that you are most passionate about, is it the final product or creating a new collection?

I am most passionate about research and designing the new range- which actually is the job I get to spend the least amount of time doing! Time is mostly spent on production, marketing, sales etc. 
But I cannot deny that when the new samples come in its super exciting! You get to see your designs really come to life, and the factory finishes the sewing so beautifully, something I could never achieve on my own. 
By the time a style is available for sale I am already designing and sampling the next range so I sort of forget about the current styles. It’s so lovely to see the positive feedback from customers and Instagram followers and it reminds me that I should be proud of the pieces I’ve produced so far.

What's next for your label?

I am so excited!! I only quit my full-time job in January 2016 to run KAT full time. (It's been exactly a year now since I launched, and I was excited to see that I can do this full time now, so I thought I better start taking it seriously!) 
Anyway, this means I have all my time dedicated to KAT, so you’ll be seeing a lot more new designs, more matching sets, more one-off exclusive pieces and at some point I will be moving into other pieces like nighties and came too. 
I’ll be going to China later this year on a big sourcing trip so I’ll be working with more intricate and unique pieces that you hopefully haven’t seen all over the market yet. Exciting things to come so stay tuned :)

FOXY FIVE

I never leave the home with out my… 

iPhone (Instagram never sleeps!)

If i could go on a holiday right now i'd go to… 

Bora Bora

Tote or Clutch? 

Tote

Heels or Flats? 

Flats

Favourite dessert?

Sucker for cookies and cream ice-cream! 

Special thanks to Kate xxx

Follow her instagram: kat_thelabel
Purchase HERE  
 

RE-VICE DENIM

www.re-vice.com

Dani has worked worked in the fashion industry for about 6 years now. Mostly been with big ‘ol corporate companies like Urban Outfitters, Hot Topic, and Macy’s. Having done a lot of work in apparel graphics with denim companies as well of the likes of Current Elliot. Her fun outlet was doing freelance apparel graphics for small to mid level graphic tee companies under her account @graphicteegirl! While she loved doing all of this  she had always wanted to start her own brand! 

 

 

 

Tell us how you started your brand Revice? 

I teamed up with an awesome guy Shai, he has a lot of business sense and many years of experience in Denim. He had the connections and business experience and I had the marketing, design, and creative side down. We spend a long time developing and just recently launched, so we will see how things go :)

 

When you go on sourcing trips for your denim threads what do you look out for? (also include where you jet off to! ) 

Shai has a ton of connections with world top denim fabric sources from both USA and Italy. We are always looking for the most authentic vintage style fabric to replicate our favorite old pair of jeans! This includes minimal yard character, though we do love a salt and pepper diagonal texture.

 

How long is the process from start to finish with an idea and design? 

Since we do everything here is US we can bang out ideas pretty darn quick. Coming up with the designs and samples don’t take too long, but sometime production can be tricky.

When creating your vintage inspired denim jeans, what inspires you and what differs you from other denim brands out there?

 We gather our inspiration by exploring vintage warehouses in LA and finding our favorite old beat up washes, fits, and T-shirt prints. Everything is made here in LA and worn down by hand so it truly feels unique and like it has years of love.

At Revice we want to give our customers top quality USA made denim at wholesale prices. 

 

You quote " Our Aim is to shake up the way the fashion industry does business" please tell us more about your aim! 

For years the fashion industry has been getting away with making cheap clothing and marking up their prices 4-8xs the cost. By deciding not to sell any of our products retail we can give them to you at a fraction of this price while still maintaining quality! We truly believe this is the way of the future.

 

And any advice to any students out there who want to start their own brand? 

Get experience on someone else dime for a few years. Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom and work your way up. Observe and take in everything on your way. Work for a lot of different companies and see how they each do things differently, take notes on what to do and what not to do. And most importantly network network network! Put yourself out there, reach out to people even if it seems weird or scary! When it comes time to start your own company its these connections you made along the way that will be key.

 

Quick Foxy Q's

 

Flares or Straights? 

Thats hard! Both of these styles are very in right now so it’s so fun to make a statement in either! There is something so chic about a killer pair of flares pair with boots though, so i’d probably have to go with that for now :)

I never leave the home without my….. 

iPhone. I know thats pretty much every 20-somthings answer these days, but that shit is my livelihood! Plus who knows what cool things are going to pop up through my day I need to snap pictures of!

 

Weirdestthing thats ever happen to you? 

Ha I don’t even know where you go with this one. I’ve had some pretty wild & weird times living in hollywood!

 

What's your spirit animal? 

Lionness ;)

Special thanks to Dani! 
Be sure to check out RE-VICE here!