GETTING TO KNOW NAMOI DESIGNS.

I love discovering and showcasing local Adelaide talent and last week had the pleasure of spending time with Kalila from Namoi Design. Yeah I know it looks similar to Naomi but it’s pronounced NA-MOY…Namoi.

Kalila is talented, down to earth and really, really nice! She has a great smile and knows a thing or two about her craft and has worked alongside some big name designers and done the hard yards with internships and stock room jobs. I love that she’s seen all sides of the design business and has no airs n graces about her…what you see is what you get and I instantly felt comfortable around her. Her shop/studio is a great space with a mix of luxe and industrial styling, Kalila also stocks a local jewellery makers necklaces that I fell in love with…uhuh I purchased one, couldn’t help myself 🙂 Let’s get to know her better…

When did you know you wanted to design clothes?

I received some sketchbooks around the age of 10 ( still have them) and would sit in my room for hours designing outfits. There were always dresses with matching hats and I remember one collection in animal print for the races and geometries. One birthday I received a copy of UK Vogue which I spent hours and hours reading, it ended up dog eared  but inspired me.

 

 

What did you spend your first pay cheque on?

My first job was picking cherries, then a few friends and I bought matching skirts for Meadows ( in the Adelaide hills) Country Ball.

 

 

What prompted you to set up shop?

I’d moved back to Adelaide and had a desire for a direct retail shop. I found a little place on Magill Rd  which was residential and moved in. After a few months I approached the land lord who was happy for me to do a pop up store in the old shop front. That pop up had me hooked and after a while I found the store next door to where I am now and had a short-term tenancy. Things took off and a year later I moved into this larger space…love it!

 

 

Chocolate or cheese?

Both!

 

 

Gloss or lipstick?

Lipstick

 

 

Stiletto or wedge?

Wedge.

 

 

Colour forecast for winter 2015?

Deep petrol blue, rusty orange, charcoal.

 

 

Your favourite thing to wear?

Sometimes I love a maxi dress with simple shoes, messy hair, bright lip and sunnies. Other days I like to dress up a bit with a draped top, blazer and a favourite pair of jeans. A shirt dress is versatile too teamed back with a vest and boots or a wedge in summer.

 

 

You’d spend your last $20 on?

Coffee and a croissant 🙂

 

 

Favourite fabric to work with?

Jersey and silk. I hate wearing restrictive clothes, comfort and being able to move and feel confident is so important.

 

 

Hardest thing about being in business?

Cash flow and work life Balance. Valuing yourself and knowing when to stop. When I first started I would be in the studio into the early hours of the morning because I loved my work and couldn’t set boundaries. These days I’m much better and have a life outside of work. Charging enough for what you’re doing is also a difficult thing to learn.

 

Thing you love most about having your own business?

Autonomy and being self driven. The horizon of what’s next excites me as does the design and creative process. When customers fall in love with your product….that, that’s pretty fantastic!

 

You can find NAMOI DSIGNS located at Boutique 29 Glen Osmond Road Eastwood SA 5063

On Facebook HERE.

Online at www.namoidesigns.com

Phone- 0422 495 949

Til next time,

Jen x