Christina Pyle from Melody the Label. Image supplied.
Christina Pyle is the designer and founder of sustainable womenswear brand Melody the Label which is designed for breastfeeding mothers. A mother herself, Christina couldn’t find clothing to breastfeed in that was comfortable and sustainable so set about to make her own that other breastfeeding mothers could benefit from too. Melody the Label launched this year and produces tshirts and dresses as well as baby car seat/nursing covers that are ethically handmade from hemp, tencel, linen and organic cotton.
We caught up with Christina to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
Our latest (and first!) collection includes sustainable breastfeeding wrap dresses, shirts, and baby car seat/nursing covers designed with longevity and quality in mind. Choosing to only source and use natural fibres, our designs are made entirely from plant fabrics. Our wrap dresses are designed specifically for breastfeeding mums, who desire to still feel beautiful and feminine amidst the long breastfeeding days. They come with a nursing insert which can be detached for when the mum is no longer breastfeeding, or just prefers to wear the dress as it is. Our breastfeeding shirts are made from a Hemp/Organic Cotton blend, and as far as we know, is a first of its kind! The baby car seat cover is a multi-use cover, made also from Hemp/Organic Cotton. It can also be used as a breastfeeding cover, trolley cover, and scarf for Mum. Making it incredibly versatile (and a must have for a new mum!).
What made you become a designer?
I have always loved fashion for as long as I can remember. As a young girl, I loved watching ‘Miss Universe’ on television each year, looking through pattern books whenever I got the chance, and playing dress ups with my sisters. The idea for Melody The Label and designing garments specifically for mums came shortly after I attended New Zealand Fashion Week, where the theme was ‘Sustainability’. Being so intrigued and interested in how the fashion world is rapidly changing, it suddenly hit me that not only did I need stylish breastfeeding wear in my own motherhood journey, but it needed to be sustainable and natural. I dove headfirst into research, and discovered that I could not find any truly sustainable breastfeeding wear that didn’t compromise. This was when I knew I had to create it myself.
What inspires you?
My boys are my biggest inspirations! Between the two of them, I have breastfed for about 4 years, and have constantly struggled with getting dressed when leaving the house. Finding clothes in my wardrobe that looked fashionable, flattering, AND allowed me to breastfeed was such a mission almost every time I went out! My boys have inspired me to pursue the dream of beautiful sustainable breastfeeding wear so that other mothers never have to resort to frumpy mum clothes.
Looks by Melody the Label.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I would say that what I love to wear most is beautiful, flattering, fitted clothing where I feel put together, but also super comfortable. As a mum of 2 little boys, my clothes need to be extremely practical! I try to wear natural fibres whenever I can, and enjoy shopping at op shops for some quality second hand pieces. I think every aspect of my personal style influences my designs – from practicality and comfort, to being feminine and flattering, and to using natural fabrics.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
I have a lot of favourite purchases! When I was about 7 years old, I had the most pretty blue swimsuit with a cute ruffle around the waist. I absolutely LOVED it, but sadly lost the garment in the changing rooms at the beach. At age 15, I bought a denim skirt that was perfect in every way – it had the perfect colour, fade, flare, length, and fit for me! I wore it for years afterwards, and still have it to this day (and I’m almost 30!).
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Definitely a super warm, but still stylish jacket. Living in New Zealand, it can get pretty cold here in Winter! Wearing cute clothes, and being able to throw on a warm and cozy jacket over the top, is an absolute necessity.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
It has to be comfortable and flattering.
Looks by Melody the Label.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
When we sold our first wrap dresses. It was so exciting and exhilarating knowing other mums loved the dresses as much as I do!
What can’t you live without?
I can’t live without my husband. We had a complicated long distance relationship over a span of 8 years before getting married, so now that we are finally together (married for 5.5 years now!), I soak up every day I get to spend with him, and nothing else feels as important as having him in my life.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Multiple patterns at the same time. Other people can definitely pull it off and make it look amazing, but it’s just not my thing.
Images supplied.