International Women's Day

It's International Women's Day! Celebrated every year on March 8th, today is not only a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, it's also about raising awareness of gender inequality and to advocate for women's rights, equity, and empowerment.
To celebrate this amazing day, we took the opportunity to sit with two of our key designers for Yarra Trail and Marco Polo - Maxine and Alison - to learn more about them, how they began working for the brands, who and where they get inspiration from, plus much more.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Maxine, I’m a designer for Marco Polo. I’ve been with the brand for two years and have been working with the group for 6 years overall. I work closely with our Head Designer Larissa and the rest of our tightly knit team on developing seasonal and capsule ranges for our customers across Australia + NZ.
I’m a creative at heart and love having that aspect to my work because it makes everyday exciting!

WHERE/HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION? BOTH WHEN YOU'RE DESIGNING AND IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE.
While the market/industry is definitely trend driven, I’m drawn towards fashion that has a point of difference and a sense of uniqueness. Personally I look at street style for inspiration. It’s so much fun as an onlooker to see how people all over the world interpret trends and style outfits in a really unique way.
We also channel this at Marco Polo as each range is designed with an understated and unique style, that has timeless appeal and a modern edge. Our customer appreciates trends but she is also stylish, cultured and inspired by the fashions of the world and wants her wardrobe to reflect that. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I love Melbourne coffee culture, so you can often find me out and about trying new cafes and brunch spots with friends. I also try to take advantage of our thriving arts and culture community as much as possible, from art installations to exhibitions. My current recommendations include Rone’s ‘Time’ at Flinders St Station and the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the NGV if you haven’t gotten around to it yet!  

WHO'S A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE THAT INSPIRES YOU?
I’m so lucky to say that the list is endless, from personal to my work life! I have two older sisters and my amazing Mum who I have looked up to from a young age and act as great role models for me. Not to mention our Head designer Larissa and General Manager Anthea who have mentored me throughout my entire career and have gotten me to where I am today.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WORKING FOR A WOMENSWEAR BRAND?
I love the camaraderie and authenticity of our team, which I think is credited to the fact that we are predominantly women. The team dynamic is what keeps me looking forward to coming to work everyday and the fact that we can enjoy a laugh alongside everything else is just a bonus!

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I come from a family of creative women. Obsessed with fashion and fabrics from a very early age, my twin sister & I were heavily influenced by my mum who can make just about anything with her hands …she sews, knits, crochets, paints, mosaics, creates wonderful ceramic pieces and much more!
I have been the designer here at YT for almost 15 years. I work with a committed team of talented people. Our purpose is to be the go-to brand for fabulous weekend wear and to inspire our customers with creativity and confidence. We offer a wide choice of styles in carefully curated colour palettes, prints and fabrics that all work beautifully together.

WHERE/HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION? BOTH WHEN YOU'RE DESIGNING AND IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE.
I find inspiration all around me. I love to visit galleries and exhibitions and have an inherited passion for travel which would be my greatest inspiration.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Spending time with family and friends is important to me. I love to keep fit, particularly outdoors – hiking, cycling, running. I am currently working on some ceramic pieces on the weekends and I am an enthusiastic but amateur gardener. 

WHO'S A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE THAT INSPIRES YOU?
My Mum, she spent so much of her life working hard to provide my sister & I with a happy home. She is my greatest support and I am forever grateful to her. She instilled in us a strong work ethic and resilience, not to mention her insistence on making life fun!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WORKING FOR A WOMENSWEAR BRAND?
Without a doubt it would be seeing happy customers wearing our designs.

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