| KAREN from 'LOWER' - profile. |
| Written by Sacha Young | |||||
| Tuesday, 10 May 2011 13:34 | |||||
LOWER have come a long way since their inception in 2001, serving up their radical streetwear clothing to the New Zealand market. Starting out as a hobby (as any good idea does), Lower were inspired and influenced from various subcultures including surfing and skating - which is highly obvious in the design and functionality of their pieces. It's exciting to be on the outside looking in, as Lower is an incredibly successful and well-respected New Zealand brand, who have established a cult following in an impressive few short years. If you've been out and about in the last ten years, I can guarantee that you've passed a Lower-lovin'-kid. Coup De Main were lucky enough to get the chance to ask Karen (who is behind all of Lower's womenswear) a few questions...
COUP DE MAIN: Can you pinpoint the moment in time when you realised you wanted to pursue a career in fashion design? KAREN: I kinda just fell into the role. I have a degree in graphic design so I thought that would be my career, but my role kinda evolved into fashion and graphic design. My love of fashion definitely helped! CDM: What is the background of 'Lower' and your involvement? KAREN: It was [started] by Jake and Stacey Pyne in 2001 as a hobby and became a company in 2004 and has been going strong ever since. I started work at Lower in late 2009. CDM: Who or what influences your designs? KAREN: Anything and everything! Friends, thrift-shopping, blogs, traveling... CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? KAREN: Lower is an awesome place to work because everyone has input into the design process, we bounce around ideas and come up with ideas for the range, garments and prints just seem to flow on from there. CDM: What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most? KAREN: The fun people I get to work with and being able to be creative everyday. CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your up and coming Summer '11 collection? KAREN: The range is called 'Money Worries' and may have some Jamaican influences - but wait and see, there is some really fun stuff. CDM: What did you want to be when you were seven years old? KAREN: I wanted to work in a dairy.
CDM: Can you remember the most expensive item you've bought? KAREN: I am pretty tight, I think it must have been a Mala Brakovich dress for $500. CDM: Who would be at the top of your 'best dressed' list? KAREN: My good friend and amazing musician, Dan Leigh. CDM: What's the best advice you've ever been given? KAREN: Work to live, don’t live to work. CDM: What is one thing you can't live without? KAREN: Coffee. CDM: Have you got any fashion tips for our Coup De Main readers? KAREN: Skivvies.
HEART LISTENING: 'Spanish For Dummies' (I am trying to learn Spanish!) HEART WATCHING: 'Californication'. HEART READING: 'Unbroken' by Laura Hillenbrand. HEART OF THE WEEK: My new D_luxe Rose quartz moon cocktail ring.
www.lower.co.nz |
