Made in Donald

Made in Donald is a creative label that has had people whispering its name for a while. Nadia Pearse, the designer of Made in Donald, explains that the name of the label refers to the town Donald in central Victoria that she grew up in. Before starting her own collection, Nadia graduated with a degree in fashion design from RMIT with honours in 2007. During that time she had also interned with Yeojin Bae for a year. Once completing her studies she worked for Maggie T as a design assistant before launching her own label in April 2008.

Made in Donald’s previous collection is entitled ‘The Shirt Factory’. The collection contains volume with beautiful layered skirts, detailed tops and distinctive patterns. Nadia states, “when working I am concerned with fit, proportion, detailing and quality. I always strive to use the most beautiful fabrics and the best possible finishing methods regardless of how time consuming these methods might be.” We can clearly identify this sentiment in each dress, as it is well-fitted, uses exclusive materials and layered details.

Q&A
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion above all to me is fun, I love creating clothes that are fun to wear and also make the wearer feel special and confident in their appearance. I don’t think fashion should be taken too seriously, when fashion is too serious I think that it loses some of its magic and its self defeating. Fashion also means that I can have the flexible and entertaining life that I want. I like things to be ever-changing and surprising and this in essence is what fashion should be!

How would you define Melbourne’s fashion?
Melbourne’s fashion can’t be described in definite terms. It’s ever changing and evolving, but Melbournians have a fabulous way of throwing things together in almost a haphazard nonchalant way and looking effortlessly cool. That’s what I love about Melbourne fashion, sometimes it tries too hard but that also is a part of the charm, why dress down when you can dress up!

What inspires you when designing a collection?
Inspiration for me comes from many places, it can start with a colour or fabric or perhaps a certain style or look that has been filtering into my own wardrobe and manner of dressing. I design with my own wardrobe in mind so that I can be sure that pieces can work back with others and be worn in different ways and for different occasions.

What matters to you most as a fashion designer?
Staying true to my style and my own intuition is incredibly important to me. Also creating garments which are consistently original, never copying work of another designer is of utmost importance. I also don’t really believe in following a set path with my label, I take new opportunities as they come whether it be doing my collections or one off items such as wedding gowns or being involved with charity events etc. This keeps things interesting and alive and I think that is also an important part of fashion, its too easy to let things stagnate and become all same/same.

Lastly, Nadia had told us that a winter collection for 2010 will be out into the open sometime next year – so be ready to be amazed yet again by Made in Donald.