Chloe Win, founder and designer of Alyssa Lloyd. Image supplied.
Chloe Win is the designer and founder of sustainable womenswear label Alyssa Lloyd which she launched in early 2019. Chloe designs and makes her clothing in New Zealand, producing small collections in short runs with the emphasis on clothing that is made to last. Each garment is carefully designed while taking into consideration the ethical and environmental impact of fashion production. Alyssa Lloyd’s aesthetic is modern and feminine with a curated mix of relaxed and tailored pieces. Chloe currently sells her collections online and at pop-up shops.
We caught up with Chloe to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
Right now I’m working on a capsule collection focusing on loungewear made from natural fabrics. My merino wool tops have been really popular lately and I’m currently looking for the perfect bamboo fabric for a cosy but elegant lounge pant.
For my designs, I try to focus away from the traditional fashion calendar of creating seasonal collections and instead release small drops of trans-seasonal garments throughout the year. Not only is this better for my creativity and small business, but it helps to educate my customers about the long time wearability of their clothing.
What made you become a designer?
I’ve always loved clothes, but I never saw fashion as a long term career path until about 8 years ago, when a sewing machine, and the intense desire to create entered my life. Over the next few years, I taught myself to sew, taking on more and more challenging projects as my confidence as a seamstress and designer grew.
Fuelled by overseas travel, which inspired me to create value and meaning in my life, as well as a healthy dose of support from friends and family I was given the opportunity to spend several months working under one of New Zealand’s most well-known fashion designers.
Alyssa Lloyd design was started out of a genuine love for fashion and high-quality garments, and the desire to help more women be conscious about the clothing they put into their wardrobes.
Looks from Alyssa Lloyd’s current range.
What inspires you?
I think my sense of creativity comes from a lot of different places; nature, travel, runways, architecture, and textiles. But what really inspires me is creating a unique garment from fabric which is a blank canvas. I enjoy conceptualising ways to use different fabrics and troubleshooting the design along the way.
I tend to take quite a logical approach to my designs and love to solve a problem for the wearer. When my clothes feel effortless and like they belong to a curated wardrobe, then I know I’ve done a good job.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
Like everyone, my personal style is still evolving. But in recent years I’ve shifted my focus away from having a massive wardrobe bursting with pieces to really attempting to refine my style, focusing on having a smaller collection of garments I love and can always turn to.
This has strongly influenced my designs as I want my pieces to be a valued part of a conscious wardrobe.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
If we’re talking fashion purchases here, then it has to be the beautiful Italian lambskin leather I bought and turned into a leather jacket for myself. I love that jacket and will wear it for the rest of my life.
Otherwise, I’d have to say my cast iron cookware, but for the exact same reason. It’s utility and longevity, are you sensing a theme here?
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
All of them! Cheap fashion has taught us to treat our clothes as consumable, and this has had some really negative effects on people and the planet. Participating in fashion is a privilege, and wherever I can I like to encourage others to support ethical and sustainable brands who produce clothing meant to last. When you buy a $50 t-shirt over a $5 one you’re supporting the part of the fashion industry that values the skills of garment workers, and our environment.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
I love a French tuck.
Looks from Alyssa Lloyd’s current range.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Participating in NZ made markets and pop-up shops and getting to meet some of the creative people behind other small Kiwi businesses.
What can’t you live without?
Probably my sewing machine.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Birkenstocks!
Images supplied.