Kate Megaw, Creative Director and Designer of Penny Sage.
Kate Megaw founded her contemporary womenswear label Penny Sage in 2011 and her intelligent take on fashion has seen the label gain a loyal following. Each collection is carefully considered and last year saw Penny Sage make a polished and thoughtful debut at New Zealand Fashion Week 2016 to glowing reviews.
We caught up with Kate to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing.
Tell us about your latest collection?
The collection is made up of so many of my dream wardrobe pieces. Easy wearing denim, over-sized trench coats, silks in David Hockney inspired hues – pale blues, chestnut browns and honey beige, soft merino knits and very special custom prints – designed by print & textile designer, Marta Katarzyna Buda and her daughter Anouk.
What made you become a designer?
A love of making clothes. I started creating my own clothing at a young age and have never thought of doing anything else. I get so much joy out of seeing people wearing Penny Sage.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the amazing women I have in my life and get to collaborate with each season.
Looks from Penny Sage’s Diving Autumn/Winter 2017 collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your brand?
I mostly wear Penny Sage, so I design things that I want to wear. I love natural fabrics and primarily use wool, linen, silk and cotton in my collections. I love simple details in garments that are there for function and construction reasons – I’m not taken by superfluous detailing. I’m drawn to clothing with unique cut & shape as well as colours that are a bit off.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
A burgundy Comme Des Garçons wallet that I bought 5 years ago and have used every day since.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
Something that they can put on and feel completely comfortable and themselves in. Mine is currently a navy linen jumpsuit. It has become really soft with wear and feels pyjama-like but I can still put on some nice shoes or lipstick and feel dressed up.
Looks from Penny Sage’s Diving Autumn/Winter 2017 collection.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
No – Rules are made to be broken, dress how you like!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Working with talented creative women that I admire and love so much.
What can’t you live without?
My family, the hills where I grew up, my partner, my friends, animals and nature.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Activewear and fur, not together, or ever.
Images by Nastassia Bruckin.