Hitting TVM for the first time this Sunday at Paradise Point is Makua Mu., a swimwear label founded by Renee and Lisa Van Drunen. We chatted to the creative duo to find out more about their brand new label, which launched on New Years Day of this year..
Tell us about how and when your label was created?
Growing up along the coast as sisters, the ocean formed a huge part of our childhood. If we were not at the beach, we were at the lake, in our attempt to chase water. The connection we shared with water carried across into adulthood, as did our desire to look good when chasing it!
After travelling the world in search of tropical sands, untouched lakes, hidden waterfalls and adventure we stumbled across exotic, unique and daring fashion. These creative concepts continued to spiral in our minds and ignited our desire to form the label.
After many months of hard work, patience and persistence, we officially launched Makua Mu. on New Year’s Day 2014.
What pieces are included within your range?
Makua Mu. is a high quality swimwear and sportswear label focusing on designer cuts and intricate detail, however its exotic twist and limited edition styles keep our pieces unique.
What is your creative background?
Lisa has a creative background in Graphic Design and Renee has a background in Business and Marketing Communications. The perfect team!
Working in the design and manufacturing industry also runs in the family. It is something we were exposed to early on in our lives.
Where is the label designed and made?
All corporate identity aspects are designed, produced or sourced within Australia.
The brand works closely with overseas designers and manufacturers, with branding activities carried out by local Australian businesses.
What inspires you?
We find ourselves inspired when we travel to exotic beach locations, in our attempt to chase water. Inspiration also flows when thinking into the future and when considering the endless possibilities that await us.
Latest collection consists of?
Our Pebble Beach Swimwear Collection features bright palettes, designer cuts and intricate detail. Its exotic twist is by far the stand out feature of the collection.
Our Pebble Beach Sportswear Collection focuses on edgy designs, use of high performance fabrics, comfortable fit and a selection of bright, striking colours that screams motivation.
What's on your mood board?
At this stage, our mood board is only a figment of our imagination! We have been so busy focusing on the day to day aspects of the label, that there has been limited time to reflect creatively in this manner.
Generally, we just whip out our phones and take quick snaps of anything that inspires us, wherever we may be and whatever we may see.
If we did have one, it would include all the exotic beaches we have discovered together, all beaches we hope to discover in the future, a huge section dedicated to colour inspiration and anything and everything to do with water, as we are forever chasing it!
What’s your creative space like?
Lisa’s creative space is decked out with everything she needs to be creative, with her inspiration being pulled from the ocean, which is close to her doorstep.
Renee’s creative space consists of a retro inspired desk, laptop, window overlooking the pool and a good cup of coffee.
What music do you listen to while designing/creating?
We both prefer quite time when being creative, so there are no distractions. When we are not creating, you would probably catch us listening to something laid back and chilled out.
A day in the life of you consists of?
Everything and anything! Every day is so unpredictable, but generally brings with it long hours, challenges, successes and everything else in between.
Favourite TVM stall (besides yours of course)?
There are so many amazing stalls at TVM, it is hard to select our favourite. We do however have a history of making some purchases from Lokoa Leather. In saying this, there is so much more for us to discover there!
Favourite reads/blogs?
We enjoy browsing mainstream celebrity and fashion magazines, along with anything to do with travel and culture. At times we limit our exposure to the fashion world because it can be so overwhelming. At the end of the day, we are happy doing our own thing and aim to gain our creative inspiration through adventure rather than published materials, here, there and everywhere!
What are we likely to find you wearing on market day? Any favourite labels?
On market day we will be mixing and matching sportswear from our Pebble Beach Collection. It is important that our customers are able to see what the designs look like on, how they fit different body shapes and their versatility.
What can we expect from the next collection/what are your plans for 2014 and beyond?
The Makua Mu. label represents everything we are, everything we do and everything we aspire to do in the future. Future collections will be based on this concept, so as a brand we will forever evolve. Your guess is ours!
But one thing is for certain, with the sun on our face and the earth beneath our feet,we will forever gravitate towards water.
Why TVM?
TVM gives us the exciting opportunity to showcase our label to the public and mingle with customers and buyers. Additionally, this exposure allows us to obtain feedback from our customers, which we will use for continuous improvement.
What do you love most about attending TVM?
We love the fact that we are working amongst creators and artists who share common interests to us. The vibe of TVM is amazing and by attending, we have a good excuse to go shopping!
Follow Makua Mu.:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
