Designer Profile – Limedrop

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Late last year, I was rushing around Melbourne Central and whizzed past a new little store which caught my eye. I wasn’t able to have a peek inside at the time, since I was running late for an appointment, but committed the cute and colourful space to memory, which I later found out was the Limedrop pop-up shop.

I’ve been checking out Limedrop online for a while, but this past Sunday I finally got the chance to visit the pop-up shop to have a chat with Clea Garrick, Director and Designer of the label.

Nesting under a cluster of bright rainbow umbrellas, the small space carries an impressive array of goodies which are all designed and developed in the Limedrop Fitzroy studio.

I’ve always known Limedrop for their beautiful garments and bright electric digital prints (which are also designed in-house), but was incredibly impressed by the variety of accessories they offer, ranging from flirty floral head pieces & sparkly earrings, to organic cherrywood and rosewood accessories

What really caught my eye (pardon the pun) were the incredibly awesome “Funglasses” which really take the Limedrop “Live Life in Full Colour” motto to another level.  And the translucent marbled resin and sustainably grown “Rosewood Necklace” (which I could not resist).

Make sure you rush down to visit the store at Melbourne Central before the 9th February (the pop up shop closes it’s doors this Sunday) – But never fear If you cannot get to the store before then, you can check out all these wonderful pieces online at the Limedrop Wesbite

Thank you Clea for a wonderful morning! Check out my interview with the lovely lady below.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself and how Limedrop came about?

Limedrop started as an idea that anything is possible. It’s aim is to bring positivity and hope to our lives by offering beautiful, unique items to adorn ourselves and our lives with. Our motto is the spirit of possibilities. We want to inspire others to do the things that inspire them. Our products add the confidence, strength and fun!

I love creating and had a dream to create a fashion label.  By the time I was in high school, I was running my own market at the “Beachside Sunset Market” in tropical Darwin. I relocated to Brisbane to study marketing and completed my Bachelor of Fashion Design. Limedrop was born in Melbourne in 2006 when my former business partner and I set up our Fitzroy studio and designed our first range. Over the next six years, we built our label showing at “Australian Fashion Week”, fashion festivals around the country, showcases in Japan and China, and growing our customer base through our presence in multi-brand boutiques, pop-up shops, designer markets and collaborations. Mid 2012, I took over the directorship of Limedrop and was invited to showcase in London, Dubai, Beijing and Istanbul for the “Women in International Business Forums” in 2012, 2013 and 2014. I launched our 5th Pop Up Shop in Melbourne Central and have enjoyed connecting with our customers directly through the store, social media and designer markets. It still feels unbelievable that this is all possible!

What inspires your design and creative decisions?
I am inspired by lots of different disciplines and creativity in general. I find it exciting to push past where we have been before.  Also rainbows have been a personal obsession of mine for the past few years, which definitely seem to be sneaking into the Limedrop collections.

How would you describe your personal style? 
My motto is to live actively and glamorously, whilst pursuing my creative dreams and sharing rainbows!

How What are 5 essentials in your wardrobe?
1. My Limedrop “Look a Million Dollars” dress. It’s made of gold coins, it’s amazing! / 2. My “Floral Drawstring Hat” / 3. A good pair of heels, although I am probably tall enough! / 4. A good pair of runners, currently my colourful New Balances / 5. My “Magic Eye Quilt Silk Bomber”

What is the best place to shop in Melbourne?
The Limedrop pop up shop of course! (until the 9th February). I am also a fan of Flinders Lane & Brunswick St – they have some really cool shops.

Who are some of the people that inspire you and why?
I don’t really have a specific person who inspires me. Recently, we have opened the Limedrop studio to new desks, and the girls who are there at the moment are incredibly inspiring. They are all businesswomen who are pursuing their creative dreams and I find that to be really inspirational.

If you could design a garment for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Lorde because she is just a cool girl with a lot of talent…. and Katy Perry! because she is an independent and powerful woman. I find her funny and cringe worthy most of the time, but there’s something charming about that.

Who What is next for the label? Where do you see the brand going in the future?
We have lots of plans for Limedrop’s future.  We are heading to Dubai later this month to visit one of our new stockists, as well as visiting Istanbul for the “Women in International Business Forum” which is part of the “Victorian Super Trade Mission”. We are so excited as we have been asked to be a part of the Victorian showcase for the fourth time.  We’ve also had a lot of interest in the US market, especially with our “Funglasses” and definitely looking to open a flagship store in Melbourne.

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start his or her own business in fashion?
I have lots of advice, where do I begin?  Think about your dreams, and where you want to be.  Make sure you celebrate all the little wins along the way.  I am the ultimate optimist, and always try to look at the positive side of things. I must drive my mum crazy! Because I am always working hard and no matter how tough things are I see a reason to keep going.  But when you’re crazily trying to build something, it’s important to stop and celebrate all the little wins along the way.  Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it!!! (Although I would probably tell you not to! ….As long as you know it’s not all champagne and parties, but luckily there is a bit of that ::)

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