“I’m influenced and inspired by strong, creative women who contribute something unique to society; Anaïs Nin, Vivienne Westwood, Bianca Jagger and Frida Khalo. Their ability to be true to themselves and their forms of expression, and not fit into a particular box or be what is expected of them is something for me to aspire to.”

Tell us about your creativity, drive and what inspires you?

I draw most of my inspiration from all forms of design, whether that be architecture, furniture, art or the beautiful design of nature. I always make a point of seeking out new inspiration, this may be a trip to the art gallery, a walk outside, or down the street looking at buildings, it is very inspiring for me. I also find that spending time focussing on form and shape is a kind of meditation that for me is really invigorating and refreshing.

Who are the women that have inspired you?

My values of integrity, ethics and the importance of care for others form a central part of my life philosophy, and this has definitely permeated into how I run my business, and what I want it to represent. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by strong women in my life, particularly my mum and my grandmothers. They’ve instilled in me a love of creating clothes, a deep care for those around me and a strong conviction to stand up for what is right.

I’m influenced and inspired by strong, creative women who contribute something unique to society; Anaïs Nin, Vivienne Westwood, Bianca Jagger and Frida Khalo. Their ability to be true to themselves and their forms of expression, and not fit into a particular box or be what is expected of them is something for me to aspire to.

In terms of other women in my life, it would be wonderful to think that I have been inspiring to someone! I think for other women in my life, the things I feel strongly about are; to make sure that the narrative my friends have with themselves is kind - I always say to my friends, “If you wouldn’t say it to your own friend, don’t say it to yourself”, and to be sure to pause to celebrate the achievements, wins and good times in their lives.

Who are the women you love to collaborate with and support?

One of the best things about living and working in Adelaide is the tight knit community, particularly in the fashion and creative industries. We are all supportive and protective of the industry, and fierce champions of each other.

There are almost too many amazing creatives to name! The incredible Adelaide based ladies involved with my most recent campaign shoot straight away come to mind: Sharmonie Cockayne (photographer, stylist, all round creative badass), Leah Metaxas (hair and makeup, mixed media artist and sculptor), Jessica Taylor (amazing bloom creative, set director and designer), Sue Dolling (model and brand muse) and Amiok Wol (model and brand muse, represented by the wonderful Rin Models).

Tell us about some of your favourite Australian designers and artists?

We have such incredible artists and designers in Australia; amongst my favourites are Petar Prodanovic, Michael Zavros, Courtney Holm of A.BCH, Dimitra Koriozos, Karen Woo & Steph Pedersen of Entice Studio.

What do you feel makes Australian designers and our fashion unique?

In Australia we are lucky enough to be surrounded by a completely unique environment, which surely influences many designers, and I feel probably underpins the strong environmental and sustainability thread I see running through the Australian labels I admire. I love the way that Australia's different environments, cities and cultures also create such unique perspectives between different designers too.

2020 has been a year we could not have predicted. What have you learned personally from your experience in isolation and how is this now shaping your connections and lifestyle?

2020 has certainly been a year like no other! It’s been uncomfortable, challenging and unfamiliar for everyone. I am lucky that I have not been adversely affected, but this time has left a perfect opportunity for change. Humans are such creatures of habit, it takes such a momentous challenge for us to be shaken out of our routine.

Personally, I struggled through the initial isolation change; I think when I saw such a drop in sales I wondered if the business would be able to carry on, and that was really confronting as I’ve invested so much of my life into Autark. But I have been encouraged to see what seems to be the other side of that period, in addition to the way that the industry is being forced to change into more sustainable patterns of operation.

I was so grateful of my machinists here in Adelaide, and it really drove home how lucky I am to be that connected to the production process and have it all operating so close by. It shone a light on the importance of the connections I have in my business, but also in my personal life, and of nurturing and strengthening them.