Welcome to the TVM fam, Beau In The Woods. We got chatting to founder Kylie Dadson about hair flips, her special TVM pieces for the local gals and how her creative baby came to be....
Tell us about how and when Beau In The Woods was created?
Beau was created to offer our customers something different for our more tropical-esque Queensland environment. I love that feeling like you are always on holiday. We started in 2012 with digital prints created from travel snaps, took a sabbatical from mid 2014 (bought a house, had a baby!) and are now re-launching with organic cottons. The cotton is organically grown in India, woven in Australia by a Gold Coast company and we manufacture in Brisbane. It’s about keeping things close to home, so everything is ethically produced and most of all, super wearable for our lifestyle.
What pieces are included within your range?
We have frocks, jumpsuits, shorts, pants, tops and capes. We love a good frolic and hair flip.
Cotton pieces are cut with raw edges, as we wanted the simple beauty of the natural cotton to shine through and naturally curl on arms and hems. We also have a made to order silk collection that is beautifully finished with French seams but with a resort vibe – think shell buttons on flowing styles.
At TVM we will feature silk print pieces not available online, cut especially as a mix up for our local gals. Our style is just life… Basically you can eat, drink and go about your day (or eve!) in our pieces. They are designed to be worn day or night and packed easily to travel with, its up to you to create your look and make it your own.
What is your creative background?
I studied journalism at uni, worked part time in a photography lab then fell into retail post study. Started a wholesale fashion agency for emerging designers, this turned into our first boutique and Beau was just developed along the lines from there. A turning point was probably a trip to Vietnam about 10 years ago. My obsession with fabric developed greatly from there and has grown over the years from heavy embellishments to light silks and now super soft cottons …
My husband and I decided early on to teach ourselves the trade over studying it. There have been wins and there have been losses. We immersed ourselves in it for so many years, I used annual leave time from my full time jobs to pursue trade shows and trips to sell ranges and meet with buyers. I think when you love a particular industry so much it’s really hard to get out of it!
Where is the label designed and made?
Brisbane. I am ridiculously passionate about supporting local industry and have been working with my team (patternmaker, machinist, manufacturer) for about 4 years now and couldn’t do the label without them. Lately I have been doing business meetings out of my car so the baby can still sleep and not get disturbed as we chat out side about samples and finishes– seriously where else could you work like that?
What inspires you?
People in my life, imagery, imperfections, anything that consists of blues skies and blue waters. You can find inspiration in so many places and as you get go through different ages the way you view fashion changes. Where as once it was perhaps about what is “in “now, it’s definitely more about what your personal style is. I love that fashion has evolved that way. I think the trick is to see the beauty in your every day. Oh and my 9 year old niece wants to be a fashion designer – she tells her friends how much work is involved so I need to perform well to encourage her!
What's on your mood board?
I tend to collect beach scenes, Palm Springs palms, vintage monochrome images and inspiring quotes. I love the classic black and white images of styles bygone. Fashion always re-invents so trends are mostly technology developments of fabrications, styles often keep their classic shapes. I also have some art prints by friends – currently some hand painted flamingos by Byron artist Kristel Warton. She inspires me always with her mash up of colours. We often trade instagram tags back and forth.
What’s your creative space like?
Currently under renovation! My husband is part way through building me a studio at home. Once complete it will be all white with a big trestle table, high ceilings, an oversize mood board … and of course, a bar cart! I love a good blank canvas that you can cover in colour and print.
What music do you listen to while designing/creating?
I have Ku De Ta’s mash up cd on repeat constantly. Its like tropical lounge beats. We were married in Bali 5 years ago and it reminds me of being there with everyone I love + cocktails! Plus my son sleeps to it. The Delta Riggs is another fav.
A day in the life of you consists of?
Early morning wake up with (our son) Franco. His smiles completely kick off my day. Gym time or a big walk is a must, then I balance working in between his naps/play. I do a lot of computer work with the website & blogging, appointments for sampling and new patterns during the day, then after everyone is fed (my husband and I always dine together) and then I can slot a little more in! I keep alot of notes in my iPhone – its constantly going off with little to-do list reminders!
Favourite reads/blogs?
I love a little celeb gossip. (I don’t read, just look at the pics for outfits!) I have the Mail Online app on my phone for a quick fix and then my personal inbox is mostly fashion and business related. I love reading updates about the industry through Ragtrader, The Business of Fashion and Smart Company. The Weekend Edition and The Good Guide are my go-to‘s for finding out what’s new in Brisbane and the GC.
What are we likely to find you wearing on market day? Any favourite labels?
You’ll find me in head to toe Beau. Most days I wear a silk and cotton combo. I love the feel of luxe with a good basic. (Though my son has me putting the silks away for the time being!)
What are your plans for 2016 and beyond?
I am just going to take it as it comes. My biggest priority is my family – my husband and our babe. I really want Beau to work in with our lifestyle and goals. I hope to see it grow organically and be worn by a growing number of fabulous women.
Why TVM?
It’s such an amazing concept and run so well. I have loved coming down and think it has a great range of brands made so accessible in such an enjoyable environment. I mean hello, it’s across the road from the beach. Retailing doesn’t get any better than that! Xx