16 June 2011

A Conversation with Morgan of Crowns Clothing

Whenever I see Morgan of Crowns Clothing's beautiful winter capes I think Style with a capital 'S', quickly followed by ohhhh ... warm, and finished with 'wow, look at the detailing'.  To me, Morgan's product photos are a visual treat and I'm very curious about how they come to be... let's learn more about the designer behind the brand..

Who is Crowns Clothing?

My name is Morgan and I’m 21, in my third year of a Bachelor of Arts at Victoria University. On top of finding time to study and design and create for Crowns Clothing, I also work in a library. I’m a pretty busy girl, but it suits me!

What’s your “handmade groove ?”


At the moment, on top of my ongoing production of darling dresses and separates, I am focusing on a line of winter capes. They’re special because they’re upcycled from New Zealand’s favourite woolen blankets! I try to incorporate vintage and upcycled materials into a number of my designs, but without it becoming tacky.

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)

I don’t have a bedside table! In a pile beside my bed, however, I have a water bottle, Seasons 2 and 3 of Mad Men on DVD (my favourite show and definitely an inspiration fashion-wise), assorted cables and some Easter egg wrappers. Thanks Easter Bunny (Mum?)

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?

I’m inspired by a lot of fashion bloggers, both in New Zealand and internationally, many of whom have small clothing labels or vintage clothing shops that they somehow manage to support themselves with!
I really love children’s books - classics like the Narnia series, Mallory Towers and Nancy Drew. I love the fierce female characters and the imagery of English country estates and the like.


What could you talk late into the night about with like-minded people?

I’m studying English literature and art history, and if you get me started on anything to do with either of those topics I’ll be going for hours. I’m also a very passionate feminist and an almost-as-passionate atheist.

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?

It’s difficult, to be honest! I’m a very busy person with work, university, the label and a social life somewhere in there as well. I live with my boyfriend so we see plenty enough of each other but I could always see more of my parents and little brother (although I try to see them at least once a week).

What is your favourite creative screw-up?

I don’t know about favourite, but my biggest crisis was when I was preparing for my audition for the Libra Design Project. I had assembled the pieces I wanted to take to Auckland to show the producers but I thought I just needed something extra… I worked on a chambray shift-dress the day before my flight only to discover late that night that it looked more like a hospital gown. Needless to say, it stayed at home!

Kitchen table or studio?

Bedroom floor! I would love to have a studio. One day! At the moment my boyfriend and I are constantly battling for space in our room. He is a musician and I think his gear takes up even more space than mine.

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?

More time! I’d love to have a Time-Turner like Hermione’s. More realistically, a studio, a fancier sewing machine, a nicer website, an assistant… oh, did I say realistically? Maybe I’ll just settle for a nice pair of flat brown leather riding boots.






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5 comments:

  1. Hi Morgan,
    I had a cape very similar to what you offer when I was a teenager. Fond memories! Great idea to use woollen blankets for them.
    Ingrid

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  2. Wow, your capes are amazing! So clever. :)

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  3. Don't we all wish we had a time turner. If you ever find one let me know;) Love your capes Morgan.
    Joy

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  4. Thanks for giving us an insight into the designer behind the name! Gorgeous work.

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  5. Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

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