MEET THE TEAM: EMMA
Meet the Team: a series dedicated to our incredible staff so you can get to know a little more about those who work behind the scenes (and the counters) to bring you the Drapers you know and love.
This week, we spoke with Emma, our Wellington store manager and resident fashionista. Locals know her for her infectious energy and impressive sewing expertise, which she shares freely and generously. A talented designer in her own right, Emma often self-drafts patterns and brings her favourite fabrics to life with beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces.
We asked Emma a few questions about herself, see her responses below:
What's your favourite thing you've made to date, and what are you planning for your next project?
Ooooh that's a hard one, my favourite piece I have made this year so far would be the zip-up I made from our American Sweatshirting. I'm currently working on another zip-up but with our Soiree Faux Fur so that might be taking the throne soon!
What is your favourite Drapers memory?
Opening the store down here in Pōneke! It was such a fun whirlwind getting the store set up and meeting the team, it was also amazing to have such a positive reception from the community!
How do you spend your time when you're not at Drapers?
When I'm not at Drapers I'm designing/sewing items for my slow fashion practice, and religiously watching/dissecting episodes of Love Island with my flatmates.
What's your best sewing hack/sewing advice?
Just taking your time and double checking everything before cutting/sewing, it sounds so simple but if I did this I would save hours of my life spent unpicking. I also think having a basic understanding of pattern drafting is so helpful for sewing (there are some great free resources for this on sites like youtube). Understanding the foundations of garments makes putting them together/adjusting them a lot more intuitive!
What is your favourite fabric in store right now?
My fave fabric in store at the moment is either the Franklin Wool Flannel in dark oak, or the Moda linen cotton in Navy/Ochre, I'm a sucker for a good plaid/check.
What inspires you the most?
Other Creatives! New Zealand has such an amazing pool of creative minds - I think living in an isolated country breeds a resourcefulness and ingenuity that is incredibly inspiring.