Designers Lauren Tapper (left) and Sarah Harris (right) from Harris Tapper. Image supplied.
Sarah Harris and Lauren Tapper launched their namesake womenswear label Harris Tapper last month and the fledgling brand caught our attention for all the right reasons. Their debut collection features beautiful shirting in various styles that is ethically made and fashion forward. The two women see their label as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion and aim to drop new styles each month.
We caught up with Sarah and Lauren to find out more about their brand, what inspires them and what you would never catch them wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
LT: Harris Tapper is dedicated to producing beautifully made women’s shirts with a directional aesthetic. Our launch collection consists of 12 shirts and from here we’ll be delivering new styles every month, marrying the instant gratification of fast fashion’s high turnover with ethically produced, premium product.
SH: Our launch collection is quite directional, using silk metallics, feature buttons and new shirt shapes. Although our brand will continue to have this directional edge, we’ll also be introducing more ‘everyday’ styles on a monthly basis.
What made you become designers?
LT: We felt no one offered high-end, beautiful product, made ethically and dedicated to modern women who live fast-paced lifestyles. Our kind of woman loves new new new, yet the traditional fashion cycle of SS and AW collections still drop into stores the same way they have for over 40 years. So many other industries have evolved to adapt to their consumers needs, but fashion has been slower.
SH: To be honest I never saw myself becoming a ‘fashion designer’, I thought it was a cliché path to go down in this industry. It was less that we wanted to be designers and more about a unique brand and business idea where we would be dropping newness every month. When Lauren and I started talking about various gaps we were seeing in the market, the idea came about and the brand was formed and here we are… as designers.
What inspires you?
LT: Mostly people. Characters in books and movies, musicians. I’ve recently been looking at men’s clothing advertisements from the ’50s. I’m not inspired by just one thing.
SH: Creatively? Going to galleries, observing other people’s personal style, traveling and other amazing creatives. On a business level I find a lot of my friends really inspiring, I have some incredible friends, doing incredible things.
Looks from Harris Tapper’s debut collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
LT: My personal style is whatever’s easy at the time. I’m on a high rotation of shirts and black or navy pants… occasionally I’ll go all out and wear a t-shirt. My personal style doesn’t really influence what I design, I’m more inspired by other people.
SH: My style is pretty simple and mono, I think that’s an Antipodean thing. I’m not afraid of wearing loud and unexpected pieces but I don’t think my style influences my creative work, if anything it’s the reverse.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
LT: My black sequin Georgia Alice pants. I wore them to Stevie Nicks (!!!)
SH: My black slip dress from Georgia Alice… I have no words.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
LT: Does a steamer count as a wardrobe item? And a shirt! I’ve worn one nearly every day for the past five years.
SH: Definitely a shirt. It transcends all seasons, therefore a great investment!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
LT: No.
SH: As a form of self-expression, I don’t think style should have rules.
Looks from Harris Tapper’s debut collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
LT: The day we launched the brand. The day we decided to start the brand was pretty great too.
SH: The day I made the leap from the safety of my Buying career to all the unknowns of starting a business. It was one of the most petrifying but liberating thing I’ve done.
What can’t you live without?
LT: Having a laugh, so my friends and family.
SH: Obviously friends and family! But also, Earl Grey tea.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
LT: I’m not sure if there’s anything you’d never catch me wearing, but I definitely don’t get down with tight clothing. I’d probably never wear a short, tight bondage style dress.
SH: Never say never.
Images supplied.