Adrian Hailwood runs his fashion store from the Ponsonby end of Karangahape Road.
Most days you’ll find him working behind the counter.
Tell us about your background.
I have a Bachelor of Design from Victoria University
(I majored in Illustration and Graphics) moved north for work as an illustrator working on ACP magazine titles, Metro, She & More, North & South, and others such as Cuisine and FQ. I then moved into commercial art making ads and it was then that I started creating tee shirts as a side hustle. I’d go out to a small tee shirt manufacturer and cut out the runs with George, an 85-year-old stalwart of the garment trade - he taught me everything.
Why did you decide to choose fashion design as a career?
When Pavement magazine did a shoot with the tees through Jasmin Edgar, I then worked with Stella Gregg, a stockist in Auckland who sold 100 tees a week. It went nuts from the get-go so I thought I'll give this manufacturing thing a go and here I am today.
What’s your favourite part of being a designer?
I love the interaction with my clients and customers to see my designs being worn and enjoyed the most. I also like researching the themes and ideas of making a collection.
What’s your definition of fashion?
Fashion is whatever you want it to be - I put no boundries on myself or others when it comes to personal dressing - be it high-end or trends at the lower price point. Everything goes into the mix for me. It can be serious and fun too.
What skills according to you are necessary to be successful?
50% love of the job, 40% business sense, 5% design skill, and a healthy smidge of BS.
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Not sure, you tell me… ha ha!
How would you describe your personal style?
Denim, denim, and more denim.
HAILWOOD, 516 Karangahape Road, T: 09 360 9931, www.hailwood.co.nz
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