Tell us a bit about Squeak?
Squeak is a fashion accessories and homewares
label that is heavily addicted to digitally printed
textiles, colour and natural fibres.
Tell us about yourself and your background?
I studied as a Textile Designer at RMIT
University and then worked for a bit in screen
printing, both in Melbourne and London. After
that I took a break and travelled for a little over
a year before deciding to head back home. I
worked as a Textile Designer for a few years
before breaking out onto my own and starting
Squeak.
What sparked you to create your
business?
I always knew I wanted my own thing and I
had an unhealthy obsession with scarves, so I
naturally decided I should try designing my own.
Everything just led from there. What started
with an original range of just 10 silk scarves has
now turned into me having 9 different product
categories.
What processes are involved in creating
your pieces?
I usually start with the product design. What
fabrications, style and features I want the
product to have. From there I tend to move
into the actual textile pattern. I usually work in
photoshop, either using original photos I’ve taken
or artwork I’ve drawn and then scanned in.
What inspires you in your designs?
Mostly colour and feel. I love the initial reaction
of people seeing my product and their eyes light
up first with seeing all the colour and designs,
then they go in to touch it and their eyes light up
again. I love natural fibres and nothing beats silk
or cashmere.
What do you love the most about having
your own label?
The freedom to design what I like all the time. I
created Squeak mainly for selfish reasons. I loved
scarves and I wanted more of them, so I started
a business in it. I then wanted a cushion… and
then a bag. I’d love to say my motivations weren’t
so self-serving, but they are. I love fashion
accessories and homewares, and someone wise
once said to do what you love.
Who are some of your favourite
designers?
I love a lot of them, but I have always admired
Hay Design for their stylish simplicity, Helen
Dealtry for her incredible skill with watercolour,
and The Club of Odd Volumes for just being
awesome at so many different things.
What is your favourite item in your store
right now and why?
Currently, it’s the new quilts. They are delicious!
Amazing colours and they have a full velvet
reverse, I’m crazy about them. But I’m also
carrying my Skyline bag with me everywhere I go
as well.
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