Maille

We know you like to read about up-and-coming Australian designers nearly as much as we like to write about them. Let us introduce Maille (prounounced ‘my’), which means stitch in French. Designed by Hellen Kitsandonis, the Sydney based luxury knitwear and jersey line was born in 2010.

In the lead up to winter, Kitsandonis’ designs are flawless, wearable and just plain cool. We’re crushing completely on Maille’s minimalist pieces and super streamlined styling. We asked Hellen a few questions about starting out in fashion and whats next.

Tea or coffee?
Coffee

Scarf or snood?
Scarf

How did you get your start in fashion?
I have always worked in fashion but I would say that working at MARCS for Mark Keighery was my first significant role. He was such an amazing person and taught me so much.

What is it like having responsibility for your own label?
Intense. You never stop thinking about work. 

What is it about knitted fabrics that inspires you?
I love the endless possibilities and the artisan qualities that come with knitting. 

You’re label name is French for ’stitch’. Do you have French heritage?
My heritage is Greek but I have family that live in France. I love the traditional crafts and methods that come out of France, which has such a rich history in fashion.

Do you work from home or in a studio?
I have a studio space in Newtown.

Where do you get inspiration?
Inspiration is constant. I love to travel and people watch.

You’ve received a lovely amount of attention since your label started in 2010. What’s next for you?
At the moment I’m just working away at continuing to grow the Maille label.

What can’t you leave home without?
My iphone.

What are you wearing today?
I’m pretty casual today. I’m wearing leggings with a long-sleeved, cowl-arm tee with my Maille berry/mushroom coloured poncho.

Where can we buy your designs?
Maille is available in boutiques around Australia and online at maille.com.au

Tags: clothes, design, Fashion, jumper, knitwear, Maille, winter, wool

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 at 2:11 pm and is filed under Fashion, Interviews . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.