INTERVIEW with Brisbane Fashion Month 2023 Designer - Madi and Pip
Above: Four sisters in their cotton fields at Central Highlands, Queensland. Garments all Australian made from Australian cotton. Photo by Jem Hawker.
SD: Hi Emma, for my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?
E: I am a fashion designer, educator and illustrator. I grew up on the land, surrounded by wool and cotton; forging a deep connection to our natural fibres and the communities that create them. I use my practice to celebrate our Australian fashion story.
SD: What was the biggest inspiration behind your latest collection?
E: My design process always starts with the fabrics and is led by circular design. We have sourced the most luxurious long staple cotton produced in Australia, and it’s grown on an Eco-Biz certified farming operation! The long fibre makes for a softer and more durable fabric. For those that love a splash of colour we have sourced Liberty fabrics, and silks from Alla Moda Fabric Collection!
SD: What helps you get in the zone when you’re designing?
E: I am always designing subconsciously! I make many, many illustrations and ideations before I cut into any fabrics. Most of my ideas come when I’m in the midst of something else. I usually have a number of ideas on my radar and will continue ideation when I’m in the garden, walking, driving or sewing other designs. I always have something on me to quickly illustrate on! When pattern drafting or cutting I like total silence in the studio, and a fresh bunch of flowers from the garden close by.
SD: How do you want people to feel when wearing your pieces?
E: Your most vibrant self! Every design is made to order, celebrating your fab taste and beautiful body. My designs are specifically made for ease of dress & comfort; definitely no centre back zips that you can’t reach! I take great care to do this without compromising remarkable silhouette, fit and craftsmanship. We are all about the French seams and large pockets.
You should also feel super proud. I go to great lengths to design and source fabrics and notions that fit within the circular fashion economy so that the clothes you wear do justice to the beautiful natural resources used to make them, and the skills of the people involved in the supply chain. We proritise the use of local fibres and manufacturing as Australian fashion is a collaboration of the hard work, resilience, creativity and commitment of both primary producers and textile industry.
SD: What is your favourite part of being a designer?
E: When I can share the finished looks with the people who make it happen- starting back at the fibre! Recently we shot our bridal collection in the cotton fields at St George where the fabrics were grown. We had the three generations of growers wearing gowns sewn from their very own cotton!
I grew up on the land, with merinos and cotton fields! I love that I have found my place where I can let my passion soar, constantly challenge myself and create genuine change to the fashion system.
SD: Without giving too much details away, what should we expect from your collection for Brisbane Fashion Month?
E: Spring racing and bridal wear designs!
Tickets are going fast. If you want to see Madi and Pip on the runway, get your Brisbane Fashion Month 2023 tickets here
Brisbane Fashion Month Website: http://www.brisbanefashionmonth.com.au/
Brisbane Fashion Month Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brisbanefashionmonth/
Brisbane Fashion Month Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/brisbanefashionmonth/
Madi and Pip’s social media presence:
Website: http://www.madiandpip.com.au/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/madiandpip
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/madiandpip/
Above: Photo by Kristie Carrick