Meagan Te Wiata from Ruby & Rain. Image supplied.
Meagan Te Wiata is the co-founder and designer of women’s plus size label Ruby & Rain which she created with her best friend Hayley Rhind from White Chalk and RHIND. The two women saw a gap in the market for a New Zealand made plus size womenswear label that suited Meagan’s feminine but practical style. After much testing of fabrics and designs, the first Ruby & Rain collection was released and the brand now offers sizes 14 – 28. Since then the brand has gained a loyal following for it’s inclusive and colourful designs with Ruby & Rain making it’s New Zealand Fashion Week debut in 2019.
We caught up with Meagan to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
At the moment we are releasing three collections per month – with one being our R+R Active. The Active Range is going extremely well, we feel this is due to our designs and fantastic colour collections.
What made you become a designer?
I have always loved fashion from a young child, my Nana was a great seamstress and she taught me all about the basics of sewing and working with fabric colours and textures. My problem was I longed to wear all the amazing clothes I saw my friends wearing and in fashion magazines but I just couldn’t fit them. I used to buy the clothes I loved that were too small and would make wee extensions but it never looked as good in real life as what it did in my head. I was given the opportunity by my best friend Hayley to put my dream into a reality and that was the birth of Ruby & Rain.
What inspires you?
In all honesty our customers and online followers. Ruby & Rain has a huge loyal social media presence. I do what I do because I love helping women look and feel amazing by being able to create clothing they love. My motto has always been ‘look good, feel good’.
Dress from Ruby & Rain’s current range.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I have a VERY broad range of style. Some days you’ll see me in jeans and a tee, some days you’ll see me in a beautiful colourful dress and then other days ill be rocking R+R Active. I am an extremely busy mum and comfort is my biggest motivator, it has to be comfy and has to move with ease on the body… there is nothing worse than an uncomfortable outfit that you can’t wait to take off.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
I am a sucker for a great pair of white sneakers and a pair of tan leather boots – both of these items are super versatile and finish any great outfit!
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A fantastic winter woollen coat – this winter our Wisteria Coat will be back!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
No – I don’t think there should be any rules in fashion. Wear what you love, wear what makes you feel amazing and let your confidence and personality shine with how you choose to dress.
Looks from Ruby & Rain’s current range.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Definitely showing our beautiful brand at NZFW 2019. It was very stressful but all worth it once it was all over haha!
What can’t you live without?
My family, friends and my cellphone
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Shorts!!! I love shorts on others but they don’t work on me.
Images supplied.