Designer Profile - Margot Designs -

Today I am happy to share with you the gorgeous work of Margot Warre of MARGOT DESIGN.

I actually used to work with Margot in the textile industry a few years back and have always admired her creativity and great eye for colour and textile design.

So I was thrilled when I learned that she had released a new collection of beautiful silk and wool scarves that are both designed and made ethically in Sydney.

Her new ‘Deco’ collection is inspired by the patterns and colours of the remaining Art Deco buildings scattered across Sydney and each design represents a little bit of Margot and her passionate love for the city she calls home.

You can check out her original and bold designs on her website here, and read on below for my interview with Margot as we discuss her inspirations, the best ways to wear a scarf and her favourite little spot in Sydney.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how your label Margot Design came about?

Margot Design was created after I moved back from Melbourne working in the textile industry. I was impressed with how supportive Melbourne is of its own designers and creatives and I wanted to help foster that in Sydney.

I had also spent a large amount of my career travelling to overseas suppliers and was watching how the textile industry was getting smaller and smaller in Australia. I have deliberately chose to produce my textiles in Sydney, Australia where I can try help keep the skills and industry alive here.

How would you best describe your label’s design aesthetic?

My designs aren’t pretty, but are feminine. They have a boldness and strength to them. I want people to see how they are created by hand so they are “perfect” as I believe beauty lives in imperfection.

Can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?

I always start a collection with an idea or theme. Margot Design was created to tell my stories of Sydney and try and encapsulate the spirit of the city in my designs. I often go for long walks photographing, sketching patterns on buildings, parks, views to get ideas I want to explore.

What’s a typical day at the studio for you?

I generally wake up early and go for a run or swim before sitting down to doing an hour of work. I have a full time job and have to fit Margot Design in before and after.

The mornings are when I get the best work done and the run or swim in imperative for me to mentally go through my to do list in my head.

How would you describe your personal style?

I am petite so I wish I could wear oversized dresses and wide legged pants but I look ridiculous.

My style has to be simple shapes and I love wearing skirts and dresses, wearing flat sandals.There is always a pop of unexpected colour somewhere.

What are 5 essentials in your wardrobe?

Blackswimmers.

Blue jeans.

White t-shirt

Something leopard print

New Grace neckerchief scarf

What are your three favourite ways to wear a scarf?

On a cold day I often twist the scarf from the front and tie it behind my back to keep me snug and warm.

The smaller new neckerchief size, I often wear as a belt or wrapped around my wrist with a jacket over the top.

What is the best place to shop in Sydney?

I avoid all the big shopping centres, as you could be anywhere in the world. A wander down leafy Crown Street with all the smaller boutique stores, cafes and bookshops is definitely my preferred way to shop.

Tell us about some of the people who inspire you and why?

Some of the classic designers such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Sonia Delaunay and Anna Albers who were so brave at their time of designing – they did the unexpected of their time.

What would be your ideal collaboration?

I would love to work with an Australian fashion designer to bring my textiles alive into garments, someone like Gorman would be a dream!

What are the top 3 resources that you turn to for inspiration?

Art Galleries, I am always going to exhibitions and galleries to see what is happening in contemporary art.

Antiques, as they often have been created by hand and have a level of design and detail we dont see in products today.

Fashion – Dries van Notten, Prada are my absolute favourites.

What is your favourite place in Sydney?

That changes depending on the season, I love all the ocean rock pools, especially Bronte pool early in the morning as the sun comes up.

What to see more of Margot’s designs? Check out my post on 4 Easy Ways to Wear a Scarf