How did you get involved with fashion design?
Ever since I can remember I have been obsessed with fashion. As a little girl I would always play dress ups with my mum’s clothes, strutting around in heels way too big for me, with every piece of jewellery draped every which way from head to toe, which I feel has led me to developing my own strong sense of style. My head is always glued on the latest catwalk parade interstate and overseas.
‘Hayley Kate’ started through playing with different materials, embellishments, trimmings and shapes around 5 months ago. I was tired of going out and seeing other girls wear similar things to me so I started to make my own clothes, self-taught. I already had a stall at Gilles Street Market selling rare vintage pieces, and as I got so many compliments on my dresses when I was out I decided to make some for the market to see how they went. They sold out within the first hour. So I made more the next time and the time after…and that is how ‘Hayley Kate’ evolved into the little label it is today.
Describe your collection.
Hayley Kate is an eclectic mix of femininity, funk and romance!! It is new and fresh with a classic elegance added to it.
A Hayley Kate girl indulges into her deepest fantasies in getting dressed – feel the moment, it is never forced, always effortless, easy, confident and light.
Do you have a favourite piece?
Yes, I love all of them! But the stand-out signature piece of this collection has been the B&W backless dress.
Who is or who are your muse/s?
My friends and family have definitely helped to create my signature style. But first and foremost I create things that I would like to wear. Pushing the boundaries of bright and bold, while keeping everything girly and unique. I have travelled quite a bit, living in Rome and London, and have seen some of the most amazing, elegant women of all ages dress from head to toe with such effortless style. This is my inspiration. In Italy they say ‘La Bella Figura’ – which means basically in all circumstances you behave and dress with a sense of style. That is what I live by daily.
Who would you love to see wearing your designs?
I would love to get the young, funky mix of beautiful girls that grace our TV screens today dressed in some of my designs – that will be fabulous.
One of my future goals!
How do you feel about Adelaide as an outlet/venue for fashion?
Fantastic – Adelaide is absolutely fantastic!
Adelaide has some of the most fashionable girls in the nation, and is one of the smaller cities in Australia so we must be doing something right. Adelaide is lucky enough to have a great mix of fashion, from the larger stores that bring the forefront of classic upper-end labels, to the balance of great small boutiques we have in the suburbs, which bring in different new labels to spice the scene up a bit. Girls love this and that’s what makes Adelaide so great.
How did you break into the market?
Hayley Kate first and foremost evolved on Facebook and through word of mouth. It is great marketing as it helps keep people up to date instantly on my latest collections, features, discoveries and inspirations. It’s a great way for communication and also a means for people to give you important feedback. My great friends have also loyally supported and helped to market my brand – without them it would not be what it is today. And of course Gilles Street Markets, which allows people to have a look, see and touch of the designs.
How important for young designers is it to have events such as Gilles Street Markets?
Gilles Street provides great exposure for young designers and has allowed me to personally talk to people about my designs and the label and gain great feedback of what is working and what is not. It really helps you to get into the industry.
What advice can you give to emerging talent such as yourself?
Hard work definitely prevails – if you put in the hard yards from the beginning and have the determination, great things can follow on from this. I am proof. Surrounding yourself with positive mentors helps you to travel in the right direction, making great choices creatively as well as from a business perspective. Keep your eyes and ears open all the time and act like a sponge to the information they give you – every little bit helps.
Where has this career path taken you so far?
It has opened so many doors for me and has allowed me to meet so many new fantastic people, learning so much as I go.
I know I’ve made it when…?
Hayley Kate is recognised with every young fashionista around!!
Hayley Kate is stocked at Swarve Boutique, 242 Magill Road and LaVera Boutique.
Photos by Nichol Brooklyn.
Hair & Make-up by Kristina Sarah.
(Hanna Nanson)
