"Work hard, be you and create garments that have meaning," is the piece of advice Alyssha Hansen, the designer and owner of Love Knot War, has for anyone looking to get started in the fashion industry.
From a young age, Alyssha, or Aly, knew that fashion was all she wanted to do. Growing up in Whangamata, surrounded by a family of talented sewers, Aly's love for fashion and sewing has been a life-long passion.
When Aly fell pregnant, she spent her days designing and making clothing for her children, before progressing to constructing garments for herself, all done using her grandmother's sewing machine.
Fast forward to Aly's third child, she began making one-off kids' merino pieces, which transitioned into making and selling full ranges on Facebook. Her inbox quickly became flooded with messages from other mothers requesting custom designs, allowing what started as a hobby to eventually blossom into Love Knot War - a fashion label that creates quality New Zealand-made pieces perfect for everyday wear.
Aly sources inspiration for her designs from fabrics. When she sees a fabric, the design of the garment is instantly appears in her head. For Aly, a fabric store is the ideal playground to conjure up new silhouettes and styles.
Her creative process for Love Knot War usually begins by sourcing fabric samples, designing the garment and then making the patterns. All of Aly's garments are cut and manufactured in New Zealand.
She also looks up to Coco Chanel, drawing from her simple but sophisticated style.
"She truly changed the world of women's fashion."
Looking forward, Aly hopes to keep expanding Love Knot War by getting their stock into more select stores around New Zealand. She is also currently working on a new side label, which is anticipated to be released later this year.
