Tell us a little about your self-titled fashion and accessories label.
The MEGAN PARK label began 15 years ago and has evolved from a small accessories line into a label that now creates RTW, jewellery, homewares and a small collection for girls (aged 2 – 8). I began the collection in England and was established internationally before moving back to Melbourne 6 years ago.
The strength of the collection is the hand created element of each and every piece. I try to create a collection that is both relevant to the season whilst also being timeless .
I do not follow trends as such and hope that the followers and collectors of MEGAN PARK pieces will be wearing them for many seasons to come.
What drew you into the world of fashion? What do you love about fashion?
Since I was a child I have wanted to work in fashion. I even chose my secondary school as it had the best ‘sewing department!’ I remember making and selling dolls clothing as a 10 year old at the local church fete – even though I was not a Sunday school regular. My mother ran a fabric store and so I was lucky to have an endless supply of fabrics and trims to create from. I have always loved textiles – vintage and antique textiles in particular. I have a huge archive that is a treasure trove of inspiration. I am constantly inspired by my collection as well as what is going on around me, what I see on my travels. I cannot help but look at colors and patterns whether it be in the tiling of a Turkish bath house or on the back of a nomadic Rajhastani woman to find inspiration for my collections. Fashion is the perfect vehicle for my creativity. It allows me to create what I hope is beauty and what I hope will be appreciated by others.
Which Australian designers/labels do you love?
It always changes depending on the season and which collections I connect with. I love Jac and Jack for easy casual basics, I love the fantasy and color of Romance was Born, the crisp and perfect tailoring of Josh Goot, Yeojin Bae for her refined understated elegance.
What advice would you give aspiring fashion designers?
Work hard – the fashion industry is relentless, design from the heart, be uncompromising when it comes to placing your collection into the market and where you want for it to be positioned, research and be sure of your point of difference (there are already too many labels out there – and so there needs to be a real reason for another ), seek advice and meet with as many people in the industry/ mentors and try to absorb as much as you can from their experience.
You spent many years in London. What noticeable differences are there between English and Australian culture?
Australians are an outwardly happier bunch – having said that I love the sense of humour of the English! It took quite some time to become re-acquainted with the cheeriness of Australians when I returned from England. The local Fed ex man would turn up and it was startling how happy and how amicable he seemed. There is more of a relaxed and positive attitude to Australians.
What does being Australian mean to you?
I feel incredibly lucky to be an Australian – to be born and allowed to live in such a country of remarkable landscape and in a culture of optimism.
Where are your favourite places to travel to in Australia?
Having spent 13 years away in the UK has meant that I have not travelled as extensively as I wish within Australia, but it is now great to be here and to be seeing more. I love Northern Queensland and the South East coast of WA. I love the heat and beautiful beaches. I love to escape fashion and completely chill out in by the beach.