| Introducing LIZ TURNER from 'RIDDLE ME THIS'. |
| Written by Sacha Young | ||||||
| Monday, 20 June 2011 17:03 | ||||||
It's hard to break the market in New Zealand, especially when you're competing with other local labels that have the alternative of offshore manufacturing. As a homegrown label, 'Riddle Me This' have found the perfect balance. Liz prides herself in making all of her clothing locally - keeping an eye on the construction and quality, which is highly important to a label seeking excellence. 'Riddle Me This' exudes femininity, all whilst holding an edge and confidence that all girls aspire to attain. Liz always evolves her collection each season, with an obvious design-direction and elegant pieces that stand out amongst a roomful of clothing. Her signature cut-out dresses and tops are definitely a style to keep an eye out for! Coup De Main got the chance to ask the lovely Liz a few questions about all things wonderful... COUP DE MAIN: Can you pinpoint the particular moment in time when you knew you wanted to pursue designing and starting your own label? LIZ TURNER: When I was twelve sewing a cushion for school, it occurred to me that I could design and make clothes for the rest of my life if I wanted to! And I did want to, so here I am.
CDM: What is the background of 'Riddle Me This'? LIZ TURNER: 'Riddle Me This' is based in Mount Maunganui and was birthed in the summer of 10/11, and we are now working on Winter 2012 which will be our sixth season. CDM: Who or what influences your designs? LIZ TURNER: History and Art are key players in my influences, as well as the market I'm working with. It's good to know what they want. CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your creative process? LIZ TURNER: I start with a mood and then find a theme that fits the mood. I find inspiration for themes in history and art mostly. From there I design within those design constraints and choose the appropriate fabrics that fit the mood/theme and delegate them to my designs.
LIZ TURNER: Designing! Seeing the start to finish process is pretty satisfying. CDM: Can you tell us a bit about your up and coming (Spring/Summer '11) collection? LIZ TURNER: It's called 'We Will Rock You' and is geology inspired! There's a wider variety of styles compared to other R.M.T. collections, so it's bigger and better than ever before... But I don't want to give too much away just yet. CDM: What has been your career highlight to date? LIZ TURNER: Being congratulated on my work by influential people in the fashion industry. CDM: Name three qualities you believe a 'Riddle Me This' girl has... LIZ TURNER: Cheek, point of difference, spontaneous.
LIZ TURNER: YES! My wedding gown... it's amazing. CDM: If you could bring one item back [from the past], what would it be? LIZ TURNER: Polar Fleeces with style, don't pretend you don't miss them... so warm. CDM: What did you want to be when you were seven years old? LIZ TURNER: I think I wanted to be a Vet because I was/am an animal lover. Then I found out you had to put animals down, so I changed my career path. CDM: What are your top five clothing/accessory essentials to buy for Spring... LIZ TURNER: 1. An oversized printed tee. 2. Some maroon or lilac Chuck Taylors. 3. Sports stripe socks. 4. Lots of short to mid-length necklaces worn at once. 5. A good hair cut.
CDM: What is your favourite quirky/cute object in your studio? LIZ TURNER: My cat Oscar, he hangs out with me all day. CDM: What is the best advice you've ever been given? LIZ TURNER: Don't try and do everything your self and in your own strength, if you need help, ask for it. QUICK-FIRE FIVE: CDM: Favourite toy when you were a child? LIZ TURNER: Hoppy (toy rabbit). CDM: Paisley Shirts? LIZ TURNER: Radical. CDM: Word that never comes out right? LIZ TURNER: Saying "If I could just say" fast. CDM: Ice-cream vs. Ice-block? LIZ TURNER: Ice-block wins hands down. CDM: Late nights? LIZ TURNER: 2AM.
HEART LISTENING: At the moment, 'The Hundred In The Hands'. HEART WATCHING: 'Modern Family'. HEART READING: 'The Message'. www.riddlemethis.co.nz |
