News – Page 9 – Madame Fancy Pants

YAS QUEEN! Nina O'Brien interview

Mar 07, 2020

Our lucky last interviewee is Nina O'Brien, she hails from our sister city Melbourne in Australia. Her label Kindling is one of the newest garment collections to grace our racks and has been CRAZY popular, her authentic designs and beautiful colour and fabric choices prooving to be a huge hit here in lil Wellington. We look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
xxx Claire, Aimee, Maddie

PS! Keep an eye on your emails tomorrow (THE ACTUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY!) for an exciting giveaway from one of the fabulous women we interviewed this week!!

MFP - In a few sentences, can you explain your work and what you do/make?
NO - Kindling is a collection of modern, feminine women’s clothing, inspired by beautiful fabric and contemporary utility. We are known for our excellent shapes, high quality textiles and attention to fit for a wide range of body shapes. We complement our collection of bold tailored pieces with strong core basics, all made in by our ethical manufacturing partners.

MFP - On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to other women thinking about their careers?
NO - Running an ethical clothing label is challenging, yet I am so lucky and daily inspired by my constant contact other with incredible female entrepreneurs. Together we support each other through our shared vision and values. We share a mutual understanding that to survive and thrive we have to champion our own space as well as each other.

MFP - Who is a female figure that you admire?
NO - Fiona Pattern, an amazing independent politician here in Melbourne

MFP - How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
NO - While I love my boys (partner and son) I would be no-where without the support and understanding of all the women in my life. My sisters, colleagues, friends and customers all celebrate me as a fellow woman, designer, and business owner. Feeling a part of a compassionate and supportive network is essential for my wellbeing and success.

Thank you so much for your words and time Nina!
To see more of her work head over to our website.
or pop over to Nina’s website.
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YAS QUEEN! Julia Gardener interview

Mar 06, 2020

We are super excited to introduce you to Winie designer, Julia Gardener! Her whimsical, nature-inspired gems have been a true treasure find for many Winie owners, we hope you enjoy a little glimpse into Julia's head!
xxx Claire, Aimee, Maddie

MFP - In a few sentences, can you explain your work and what you do/make?
JG - Kia ora, I’m Julia the founder and maker behind WINIE, a brand proudly based in Aotearoa New Zealand. We’re best known for our one-of-a-kind jewellery that captures and preserves real flowers. A large part of what I create is bespoke - whether that’s making a pair of Winies to match a graduation dress, or using a Bride’s wedding bouquet to preserve and transform her flowers into something sentimental that can be cherished forever.

MFP - On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to other women thinking about their careers?
JG - It’s never going to be the right time. I had been making jewellery for a long time before I officially launched WINIE. I wanted everything to be ‘perfect’ first. However the pursuit of perfection was crippling. I'm grateful to my family who encouraged me to dive in and go for it, and I’ve haven't looked back. I’ve learnt that it is never going to be the right time to start/leave/stop in business or in life, and that it’s important to fight against the fear that holds us back. It’s a lot more exciting and rewarding to focus on improvement, rather than perfection. Besides, not even a flower is perfect!

MFP - Who is a female figure that you admire?
JG -I was introduced to Artemisia Gentileschi about two years ago. She was single mother, sexual assault survivor and a phenomenal artist born in 16th Century Rome. Artemisia had to fight against adversity, unequal pay, and society to pursue her career in art - and won. Talented, resilient and inspirational, a true feminist icon!

MFP - How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
JG - It’s absolutely essential! There is room at the table for everyone, and its our responsibility to send out more invitations. As an individual we need to know our worth, as women we need to back each other up, and as people we collectively need to strive to be better.

Thank you so much for your words and time Julia!
To see more of her work head over to our website.
or pop over to Julia’s website.
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YAS QUEEN! Biddie Cooksley interview

Mar 05, 2020

Biddie Cooksley is the brilliant mind and designer behind gorgeous clothing range Tuesday. We have been stocking these super wearable special pieces for many years now and it is always a joy to see Biddie when she brings her collection in to us and show us what magic she has been tinkering away on. Like myself and so many other women, she is juggling a business, designing for that business, all the hats and of course her beautiful family. #likeaboss

xxx Claire, Aimee, Maddie

MFP - In a few sentences, can you explain your work and what you do/make?
BC - I'm the founder & designer of Tuesday Label, a New Zealand womens fashion brand I started from my home office 4 years ago. We now have a proper office; a fab all-female girl-power team that I'm so proud of; and ethical collections of beautiful, fashionable-yet-timeless, quality clothing that I love wearing.

MFP - On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to other women thinking about their careers?
BC - Truly, just do what you enjoy. Don't pursue a career path to please someone else, because you think it's what's expected of you or what you 'should' do. And likewise don't stay in a career that isn't the right fit because you're worried about disappointing others or are too scared to change.

MFP - Who is a female figure that you admire?
BC - Hannah from The Kite Program is all kinds of amazing.

MFP - How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
BC - Empowering mantras and positive affirmations are super important to me - and if you follow Tuesday Label you'll know the brand naturally embodies that too. We aim to inspire all women to be the best version of themselves... to be soft hearted and strong minded. Celebrating others' successes doesn't mean our own won't come ~ there's enough sunshine for everyone. x

Thank you so much for your words and time Biddie!
To see more of her work head over to our website.
or pop over to Biddie’s website.
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YAS QUEEN! Phoebe Morris Interview

Mar 04, 2020

Now, our third interviewee, Phoebe Morris, holds a special place in my little MFP heart. MFP was her first job out of school while she worked hard on her degree, she spent many hours at the store showing her creativity and general love for all things animal and whimsical. She is now out in the big world sharing her illustrations and fabulous mind with everyone. We are also super thankful that Phoebe made time to do our International Women's week window!
xxx Claire, Aimee, Maddie

MFP - In a few sentences, can you explain your work and what you do/make?
PM - I am a freelance illustrator, which means I draw heaps of different things for heaps of different people. I’ve illustrated squirrels having a picnic for Whittaker's, a parade of birds for Google, and everything in between. My work is probably best known from the Kiwi Heroes picture book series with Penguin NZ. This includes titles like ‘First to the Top’ (Sir Edmund Hillary) and ‘Taking the Lead’ (Jacinda Ardern). More recently I started a webcomic about a sassy yet endearing spider.

MFP - On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to other women thinking about their careers?
PM - In 2019 we got 79 cents for every dollar a man made, sometimes for the exact same work. It's wild. Get angry about it! And don't feel bad about being angry. Or asking for more pay. Rebecca Solnit is my favourite author for staying informed about where we are in the working world, and what still needs to be done. She's just the right amount of angry.

MFP - Who is a female figure that you admire?
PM - Dana Scully, Ripley, Trinity, Leeloo, Patti Smith, Princess Leia, Parris Goebel, Joan Wiffen, Missy Elliot, Tiffany Haddish, Kate Bush, Katya Zamolodchikova, Sarah Conner. It's an eclectic mix, get into it.

MFP - How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
PM - Now I'm imagining a tall, teetering stack of women in business clothes. But in all seriousness, it is hugely important. My work definitely wouldn't be where it is today without the advice and mentoring of some badass ladies. Madame Claire Terry included.

Thank you so much for your words and time Phoebe!
To see more of her work head to OUR SHOP WINDOW!!!! or pop over to Phoebe’s website.
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YAS QUEEN! Claire Cacho Interview

Mar 03, 2020

Claire Cacho is the designer and heart behind children's wear label Murphy & Co. A beautiful minimal collection of ethically made organic cottons and earthy tones for busy babes. My little one rocks around in the romper most days and I can only image how comfy he is! (yes, we all just want big versions of tiny things I know!) Also, as per the beautiful photo, another mama rocking the like balance! #gomamaboss
xxx Claire, Aimee, Maddie

MFP - In a few sentences, can you explain your work and what you do/make?
CC- I provide organic baby clothing that is made ethically made from ethically sourced material.

MFP - On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to other women thinking about their careers?
CC - You are capable and worthy! Whatever it is you want to do in life, work towards it, even if it’s one small step at a time. Set realistic goals and and start paving the way today by taking those initial small steps.

MFP - Who is a female figure that you admire?
CC - Melinda Gates - Global advocate for woman and girls, philanthropic, successful, generous both financially but also with her time. Whats not to love about her?

MFP - How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
CC - It's very important. They say behind every successful woman there is a tribe of other successful woman that have her back. We need more tribes in this world. By lifting other woman up you are helping other woman and girls not only see their potential but fulfill it. It means coming together and supporting new initiatives, providing the right words of encouragement and being a shoulder to lean on when the times get tough. Every time we do this, our tribe grows and the success is shared. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where lifting other woman up comes as second nature!

Thank you so much for your words and time Claire!
To see more of her work head to our website or pop over to Claire’s website.
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YAS QUEEN! Cathy Pope Interview

Mar 02, 2020

So we want to spend some time this introducing you to a handful of some super talented business and creators we stock at MFP.
First up we have Cathy Pope, designer, maker and wearer of many hats of her jewellery range Cathy Pope Jewellery. Her jewels are inspired by her travels, her family jewels (the sparkly kind!) and her love of gemstones and the properties that they hold.
We hope you enjoy this glimmer into Cathy's life and mind!
xxx Claire, Aimee, Maddie

MFP - In a few sentences, can you explain your work and what you do/make?
CP - I design gemstone jewellery for women who enjoy wearing unique pieces and who prefer to stand out and not follow the crowd. My values of ethical manufacturing in boutique quantities are intrinsic to my brand. I want my customer to collect and keep quality jewellery, not to throw away junk.

MFP - On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to other women thinking about their careers?
CP - Always follow your heart and passion when it comes to your life. You don’t have to have a creative passion or side hustle but if you do and it brings you joy then don’t be afraid to go down the rabbit hole and see where it takes you.

MFP - Who is a female figure that you admire?
CP - I admire strong women kicking ass on the world stage so I can’t look past our incredible PM Jacinda Ardern. She also has great taste in bling!

MFP - How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
It’s so important to collaborate and celebrate with our peers. I believe there’s strength in numbers so am always open to collaborations and frequently do them. I believe it’s energetically a positive thing to do as an energy exchange. Its always a great way to learn and grow too.

Thank you so much for your words and time Cathy!
To see more of her work head to our website or pop over to Cathy’s website.
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Claire's top sale picks!

Feb 04, 2020

Our sale is going strong and sizes are getting low and I thought I would put together a wee collection of some of my sale picks (ie - things I want that we have sold MY SIZE of - or...if you guys ain't gonna get it then IT'S MINE!! (ie the MOMENTS DRESS - that beauty will be mine if you don't nab it first!)

I already own the VIOLET sandals - they are super gorgeous, comfy and are perfect with loads of outfits.
Pop on over to our online store - check'em out - and give us a holler if you have any burning questions about any sale items fits, sizing, fabric and so on!
xox Claire(Aimee & Maddie)
PS - Keep an eye out for Aimee & Maddie's sale faves soon!
Sale T&Cs apply