Penny Sage / Q&A

Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Kate and I make clothes.

When and why did you start Penny Sage?
I've always loved making clothes, my Mum taught me how to sew when I was little, she used to make the most amazing clothes for my sisters and I (and our Barbies). The more I learnt and practiced the more obsessed I became, I love everything that goes into making a garment, I guess starting a label was the natural result of that. I have been working on Penny Sage since sometime in 2006.

What inspires you?
My inspiration always draws on my own personal experiences, whether it may be romance, fate, obsessions or dreams, when I start dwelling on something my surroundings start speaking to me.

Who do you have in mind when you're designing your collection?
I always make clothes that I would like to wear myself and I often think of my friends, my Mum and Grandmother when I'm designing.

What is your fashion background?
I studied fashion in Wanganui and have worked for Miss Crabb, Christian Wijnants and Karen Walker.

What is something only your mum knows about you?
She knows all the things I will never grow out of.

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life what would it be?
A full length silk jumpsuit.

What is the worst piece of clothing that you love?
I find it really hard to throw old favourites away so I have boxes full of unwearable ripped and stained rags.

What would you do if you weren't a fashion designer?
One of my favourite summers was spent living in a shack in the countryside with my boyfriend, we grew our own vegetables and didn't do much else, I sometimes wish I was there but my dream is to be able to do both.

For stockists and more information visit pennysage.com