Lillie is the founder and creative guru behind Good, a New Zealand fashion and accessories label, “grown from a very influential family background, a Graphic Design degree, 3 years sussing out the fashion industry working for some of NZ’s top Designers, the laid back kiwi lifestyle and all those that share it with us.” She – and Good – are both funky as hell and hip with it. She is currently living in London and her stuff is available at the Coffee Plant in Portobello until the end of October – go geddit!
What do you do all day?
At the moment I am spending my days juggling freelance graphic design jobs (just done the flyers, posters and merchandise for ENDEAVOUR at Koko on 20 Sept), merchandise design for New Zealands greatest New Years musicfest Rhythm and Vines, and designing, sewing, and working sales and marketing for my own label GOOD.Ltd (phew). I also like to throw in a bit of nanny work in the evenings, just to mix it up a bit.
What will you do today/ What have you done today?
Today… so far i’ve been up to Portabello road to finish installing a range of bags I’ve got up on show in The Coffee Plant. I’m currently tweaking and finalising my designs for the Rhythm and Vines merchandise for approval next week, before heading to the screen printer in greenwhich to pick up the Endeavour tees, and then off to nannying at 5pm.
What’s your working process?
I’m not too sure it’s a process as such, but I generally try and get up early, do some exercise, have brekky and be ready to work by about 8am. I’m a list person. I’ve got lists on every piece of paper imaginable, all over my flat. Not to mention a book full of them too. I generally try and prioritize depending on deadlines, how much other work I have on, and production times… and then I’ll write another list…
What’s the best thing about what you do?
Working for myself. I love it. Not only because I am creating and selling products that I’ve wanted to for years, but also because I’m now getting more opportunities to meet and work along side other talented and inspirational young cats, on exciting new projects in the music and design industries…. oh and the shopping… research!
And the worst thing?
Stress. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and am pretty hard on myself, so tend to get over stressed a lot.
How did you get into it?
I’m born and bred from two very creative and clever parents, so it was kinda inevitable that myself and my brother and sister would all be passed on the creative genes, and we’re all working them in different and fun directions. I finished a Graphic Design degree in 2003 in Wellington, NZ, and decided I wanted to work in the Fashion industry. I went on to work for two of New Zealand’s biggest fashion designers to learn the ins-and-outs of how to keep the wheels in motion behind the scenes (and how not to treat your staff!). At the end of 2006 I decided to give it a go full time, on my own, with the backing of a very great friend. I’d been producing handmade bags and other products part time, while working and studying, but hadn’t had the confidence or finances to take it to the next level. I’m very grateful to my friend Luke for kicking me up the backside and making me take the next step. Wouldn’t look back for the world!
What’s been the biggest achievement in your career so far?
Personally, seeing a totally random guy in one of my tee shirts at the Notting Hill Carnival. I know that probably sounds silly, but being a very young NZ company, and having only arrived in the UK in July, it was a pretty exciting moment for me! I was absolutely stoked!
Where do you go from here, career-wise?
I’m hoping to keep producing a couple of ranges each year, and continue collaborating on other projects that come up. I’m pretty open minded as to where things may go as its early days, but being able to work with other inspiring people with great ideas, as well as create my own designs, is pretty ideal, I’m not complaining, that’s for sure.
Have you got any advice for someone trying to do what you do?
Do it. Do it. Do it. If you’ve come this far to even think about it, then you’re a smart cookie who’ll figure it out. Honestly, DO IT.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to have a shop, like my mum and dad. And tap dance….
And if you were going to have a complete career change, what would you go for?
I really don’t know… at this moment I’m pretty happy doin’ what I’m doin’.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Everywhere, cityscapes and watching the people involved in them. Photography. Getting amongst other countries and their fascinating cultures. Home, New Zealand – the land of finding fun stuff to do. My very amusing friends and their idiocies, the music culture, vintage clothing and textiles, other young creatives creating…
Which other artists do you look [up] to?
Anyone getting off their arse and doing something they love.
What constitutes a successful work, for you?
The adrenalin rush you get when you’ve finished a design/project that you’re happy with, and wanting to share that excitement with your friends.
What constitutes an unsuccessful work?
No sales. Bugga.
