ARCHfashion chats with Margie and Lisa from Viktoria + Woods

ARCHfashion: We absolutely love the Intrinsic 2012 lookbook! Are there any particular pieces which you think are a must have for next season?
We absolutely adore the Tweed LINX BOMBER. It’s a true investment piece that will take you through all seasons in utter chic. The colours in the tweed allow you to mix it up across your wardrobe. We love it worn with our zesty lime cami.
Another favourite is our Short / Blazer suiting. Its casual but dressed up at the same time. Ideal for those cool urban mums who want something comfortable but stylish…and equally suited to the younger market who just like to stay on trend.

ARCHfashion: Where did you get your inspiration for the collection?
Our collections are always designed around what we want in our personal wardrobe from season to season. Often they are influenced by new trends, gaps in our wardrobe, or just updates of what we already have. For the ‘Intrinsic’ collection we channelled sentiments such as modern, poised and a natural reflection of a women’s ever-evolving personal style.

ARCHfashion: Do you have a specific girl in mind when designing garments?
Our customer is ageless, but her love for designer elements is a constant, regardless of stage in life. Women who value quality, style and have a true appreciation for how they put them selves together and present themselves. Whether it be school drop off, or lazing around at home. A women who loves classic, simple design, but somehow put it together to reflect their own individual and unique style. We’re also catering to the younger Viktoria + Woods girl who looks for the essential finishing touches to complete her outfit.

ARCHfashion: What’s next for the Viktoria + Woods brand?
We hope to have a flagship store that really allows us to communicate our brand and philosophy. A place where we can really connect with our customers and get to know them more intimately. We also hope to break into the overseas market. But for now, we are a very proud Australian brand.

ARCHfashion: What was your first job in the fashion industry and how did it help you become the amazing designer you are today?
Margie first fashion role was with a designer jewellery label “Candy Spender” and then went onto work with Metalicus as their sales and marketing manager for 7 years, before opening The LOFFT Fashion Agency and Viktoria & Woods simultaneously in 2003. Having come from all areas in the industry provided me with a better understanding of what was going on before deciding to create a brand.
Lisa (now head designer) studied fashion at RMIT, and went straight into assistant design role with Viktoria & Woods. The combined technical training and industry experience is a powerful advantage, as we are able to draw from experience whilst Lisa can make anything happen with her amazing technical skills on the workshop cutting table. Having a proper understanding of what it takes to create a piece help so much as we can bring our designs to life.

ARCHfashion: What other interests do you have outside of fashion?
We are both addicted to fitness, healthy eating and living. We both Love to travel, and will be in New York and Paris this September where we hope to meet up with some buyers and soak up some culture.

ARCHfashion: In your opinion, what is the ultimate fashion faux pas?
Definitely topless sunbaking… and excessive fake tan.

ARCHfashion: How do you stay up to date with trends, designers, fabrics and colours?
The internet and social media have made it so easy for designers and consumers to stay up to date. It’s a constant source of inspiration. But we also have a wonderful team of fabric suppliers who help us develop fabrics and colours form season to season. And we are so lucky to be working with suppliers who value quality as much as we do.

ARCHfashion: What is something that people might not know about you?
We are an open book – otherwise it’s a secret!