This week we've chatted to Kari Lee, creator of fashion label Night Tiger. Residing in South Golden Beach Northern NSW, Lee draws inspiration from a passion for dance and the love of music, colour, textiles and all things creatively beautiful to create her comfortable and unique pieces.
Tell us about how and when your label was created?
My label was created around 4 years ago. It came out of a love for creating fun things to wear just for myself. I then went on to study all aspects of fashion industry which inspired me to design a collection, attend markets and start up a website.
What pieces are included within your range?
I have a very diverse style within my label. It ranges from feminine style silk dresses to lounge/streetstyle, basics and also a line of yoga/activewear.
What is your creative background?
I have always been artistic, I love photography, painting, sculpture and I’ll have a go at most things but I really got inspired by textiles in high school. I then went onto study dance for years which involved making costumes etc. I have also completed a Cert IV in Fashion Design and Technology.
Where is the label designed and made?
The label is designed here in my studio at home in South Golden Beach. I manufacture in Bali Indonesia where I have had a beautiful exchange with the same family tailors for 4 years now.
What inspires you?
Wow So Much!! I love music and colour and the touch and feel of fabrics. I am inspired by other cultures dye processes, weavings and traditional clothing. The world of Fashion in general…checking out everyones own individual style and how they choose to express themselves through the clothing they wear.
Latest collection consists of?
The latest collection has a lot of colour, yoga, street style influences, tights, lounge pants, hoodys, knitwear and alot of comfortable stretch clothing. I have an autumn basics wear dropping just before the next market which I am excited to release!
What's on your mood board?
Winter and next Summer !! Knitwear, relaxed fit pants, cute floral dresses with boots. White, navy, black, pink and my favourite…..stonewash!
What’s your creative space like?
Always music playing. Lightbox on for sketching, a nice big table for stretching out my organized chaos of fabric swatches, designs and production orders!!
What music do you listen to while designing/creating?
Very diverse, I love hip hop, especially women MC’s but I listen to a lot of dance music, jazz/hiphop fusion, male and female vocalists.
A day in the life of you consists of?
Whisking my daughter off to school. Working for my good friends label Rowie as a Design/Studio assistant and on my days off retreating to my studio to drink tea and dream up and sketch new designs for my own labels upcoming seasons.
Favourite TVM stall (besides yours of course)?
‘Bandikoot’ love the cool kids clothes!!
Favourite reads/blogs?
‘Lovemarks’ a brand building book and I love the the Art Blog ‘Colossal’
What are we likely to find you wearing on market day?
Always my label on market day!!
Any favourite labels?
Rowie, Kivari, The White Raven
What can we expect from the next collection/what are your plans for 2017 and beyond?
My Winter collection has a lot of knitwear as I love knits and basics for winter. Cosy wear!! Summer is going to be all about florals and dresses!! Cant wait!
Find Night Tiger at TVM on Sunday 7 May 2017 and connect with Night Tiger online: