For the creators of Slush Studio, Charlotte Watel and Nayesha Mulholland, fashion has always been more than just creating garments. From a young age, it was a way of expressing the way they see themselves and the world.
Watel described her early experience with fashion as something that gave her more power over her presentation.
“It was never about whether my sister’s hand-me-downs fit me correctly, it was about how they made me feel when I put them on,” she said.
Mulholland shared similar feelings growing up. She recalled how she would often spend a long time in search of the most creative outfits for mufti days at school.
They both went on to pursue their passion for clothing through their education. Watel studied fashion at the Parsons School of Design in New York, while Mulholland completed her undergraduate degree in textiles at AUT and a graduate degree focused on weaving harakeke.
The duo met not long after their studies, first meeting online through the game Minecraft, then in real life at a protest in Tamaki. After becoming close friends, they found that their creative visions melded nicely together and had a shared fascination with sustainable design and interest in fungi.
“Once we’d discovered a shared interest in fungi, the ideas flowed effortlessly between us,” Watel explained.
This creative connection quickly sparked the inspiration for their first show which was the beginning of their unique brand. Their first collection, Origin, was based on their fungi obsession, drawing their inspiration directly from the nature and science of mushrooms.
“We mainly looked at pictures of mushrooms. We are really interested in the discarded information left behind by organic forms, like things that stretch, squish, gloop, develop, grow and decay,” added Mulholland.
They also highlighted that their design-making process was not only distinct in the choice of inspiration but also in its sustainable method.
“We design from inside my home and source our materials locally, mostly using reclaimed and deadstock fabric”.
Watel also commented that they were deeply entrenched in this natural world and that the environment in which they created their designs reflected that.
“Our universe is escapist and fantastical, lush with plants and life forms, both real and imagined”.
Their collection is centred around sustainable fashion and they are trying to emphasise that statement not only with their finished look, but also within their creative process.
This philosophy is something that they wish to hold on to as they grow their brand. Their long-term goals involve finding more sustainable materials for their garments and helping create an affordable sustainable fashion industry.
“We’re currently trying to figure out how to ethically outsource the production of our ready-to-wear pieces without making them less affordable”.
Watel and Mulholland also have hopes of structuring their business in a way that opens doors for similar-minded, aspiring designers. The duo said that they understood from personal experience how difficult it is to enter the industry, especially in New Zealand where there is certainly a shortage of opportunities.
"We would love to pay it forward and create new pathways and opportunities for budding designers in New Zealand. There is so much talent in this country, but so few designers can actually afford the time to fully develop themselves and make it a full-time hustle."
Watel and Mulholland highly encourage young designers to keep trying, despite the challenges.
“If you love material, if you love working with it physically, it will test you, but it has the power to change someone’s life,” concluded Mulholland.
