Petra Guy from Oeuvre Apparel. Image supplied.
Petra Guy is the designer and founder of Hamilton based clothing label Oeuvre Apparel which she launched in 2019. Oeuvre means artwork in French and reflects the brand’s ethos of ‘Wear your heart on your selves, wear your personality on your shoulders’. Petra created the label to offer a variety of unique designs that allow wearers to express their personality while being a thoughtful alternative to fast fashion.
We caught up with Petra to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
My latest collection is currently the launch of my accessory line. It is focused on colour and anything bright that you would use to dress up or spice up an outfit. I love the idea of bright primary colours in accessories because it brings such a bold element to your look.
What made you become a designer?
I will and have always been inspired by everything I look at. Some teachers in high school would say I look like a ‘tourist’ in my own town, because of how much I admired things and gazed at everything. Obviously I wasn’t the most focused in terms on text books – but my surroundings yes, absolutely.
What inspires you?
Anything man made. Don’t get me wrong nature is beautiful! But the beauty of man made things – such as the street art, city lights, buildings, architecture. All of that stuff amazes me on the daily. I’m in love with the human mind.
T-shirts by Oeuvre Apparel.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
To make it short and sweet, my personal style can run from casual, to sleek casual, to “wow, she really doesn’t care what people think”.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
Definitely my slightly oversized Levi’s denim jacket (op shopped).
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A pair of sleek (perhaps high-waisted) dress pants. They’re beautiful when dressed up or down.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Your outfit is never too much. If you love it, wear it. Society doesn’t strut your stuff, you do! Life is your catwalk!
T-shirts by Oeuvre Apparel.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Definitely getting my first portion of feedback! Love human interaction and opinions.
What can’t you live without?
My creativity. I 110% feel like my life would be colourless if I didn’t have this great big, idea-filled mind of mine.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Any big brands. Small businesses rule!
Images supplied.