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FASHION
FASHION
M eagan &
Hay ley..
...the inspiration behind the fabulous White Chalk and Ruby & Rain designs, outside White Chalk HQ
Fashion
&
Hay ley Rhind
Fashion hasn’t always been at the
forefront of my life. In fact I never
thought I would end up here. My
husband and I dreamt of setting up a
sheep and beef farm, and that's what
we did three years ago here in sunny
Marlborough. I was to be the ‘boy’ on
the farm. White Chalk was launched
at the same time as we took over the
farm, as well as having a new-born
Secrets to a Trans-Seasonal Wardrobe
Friendship
It’s a really hard one when asked to introduce myself.
I mean, I know myself well (I spend a lot of time with myself),
but how do I put that on paper? Well here goes…
I am the designer and director of
White Chalk, a proud New Zealand
made women’s boutique label that is
stocked in over 40 stores across the
country. We pride ourselves on our
beautiful fabrics, easy-to-wear pieces
and supporting New Zealand made.
A taste of the Winter 18 range - INSTORE NOW
(a tad crazy)! White Chalk grew at
such a fast rate that it consumed all my
time and meant things were extremely
stressful for a while. We then went on
to employ a real boy for the farm and
my brother and sister-in-law manage
all production and distribution, so I can
focus on designing.
White Chalk now has its headquarters
on Auckland Street, Blenheim, which
houses our offices, distribution and
retail outlet – a big change from my
kitchen bench with satellite internet!
I’m looking forward to bringing you
fashion tips, trends, and news each
month in your Marlborough Magazine.
• Layers are your friends –
think ponchos, kimono cardis, shrugs
• Include quality merino base layers with low necklines
so they can be worn under tops and not seen
Fashion & Friendship
coming together
Fashion and friendship came together
in a dream-come-true when Ruby &
Rain was launched. My best friend,
Meagan, fell in love with the White
Chalk designs but being plus-sized was
unable to fit them. Meagan asked me
to simply increase the pattern sizing to
cater for 16+. However, after sampling
these sizes, we knew it wasn’t this easy;
we needed patterns to suit a curvier
body. Long story short, Meagan came
on board, Ruby & Rain was born, and
now Meagan works full-time designing
beautiful, flattering garments for
women sized 16+. The label has been
a huge success and it’s a lovely bonus
that we get to work closely together
and cherish a life-long friendship.
• Increase the colour in your wardrobe –
you’ll be amazed at how it makes you feel
• Might sound funny but tie a dress in a knot to be
worn as a top with jeans (a favourite of mine)
Secrets for Plus Size
Gone are the days where being plus size means you can only wear black.
These days, women are wearing bold colourful prints, bodycon dresses,
stripes (not to mention horizontal stripes) and many more 'rule'-breaking
outfits. I say good on them. If you have the confidence to wear it, then wear it!
I always used to wear black. I decided one day I actually really loved colour,
but society told me I shouldn’t wear it. I gradually day-by-day added colour
to my life. I still wore black basics but started adding colour - coloured shoes,
scarves, lipstick. And then I found my love for Kimonos. I was so surprised
at how many comments I got with just a small change I had made! It gave
me so much confidence and it made me want to help others ... and from
there Ruby & Rain was born.
No rules, self-confidence, be comfortable.
Meagan x
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