Q&A with Australian designer Kelli Wharton of womenswear label, Talulah

Q and A with TALULAH designer, Kelli Wharton

EASTERN SUBURBS NEWSPAPERS- What was the driving inspiration behind your Mercedes Benz Spring / Summer 14/15 collection?

KELLI WHARTON- Crystal tropics was designed for exotic vacations and spring oceanside escapes, silhouettes are soft and feminine, juxtaposed with strong graphics, detailed finishes and silk fabrics to instil confidence in its wearer.

Splashes of spring florals play through print, decorating one piece bodices, beach sarongs, silk maxi dresses, paisley shorts and kaftans. Innocent whites whisper springs new romantic sensuality,

with crochet apparel and sheer panelling finishes, while frilled details enhanced bikini separates that are mixed and matched for eye catching and feminine beachside combinations.

ESN- Which garments from Talulah's S/S 14/15 Collection would you pack for the ultimate summer, exotic, sojourn?

KW- There are too many to choose from! This is one of my favourite collections yet – but I say that every season. A standard that we have featured in one of our campaign images and look book is the Sail Away Mini Dress. A white summer dress with soft tropical print and layered white fringing – the ultimate throw on to take you from pool to bar on your next vacation.

ESN- Complete this sentence: The TALULAH young woman embodies...

KW- Creativity, confidence and femininity.

ESN- You've created a swimwear line, Talulah Swim and a High Street line, Isla by Talulah. Any plans to branch out into anything else?

KW- We have some exciting new product lines launching this year including a TALULAH homewares range using the TALULAH prints and brand aesthetics.

ESN- How important is social media to your business? Do you use those platforms for specific purposes?

KW- Social media allows us to have personalised shopping experiences with our customers, communicate our brand aesthetics through different channels and to different customers and provide exceptional customer service for each customer that engages with the brand 24/7.

ESN- What is a typical day for you and your team?

KW- My family and I are lucky that we share our office and home with the beautiful surroundings of Byron Bay and its beaches. In A typical day my husband and I are up  early with our two children, drop them off at day care and then head over to join our TALULAH team at TALULAH HQ. Every day is busy in the office, but we are lucky that everyone who is part of our team loves what they do. Plenty gets done in a single day, but the day’s definitely run away with you. My husband is company Director and I am Creative Director for the TALULAH business and each of our brands that fall under the TALULAH title. In a typical day I share my time between designer new ranges, working with our Sales and Marketing Manager and leading the creative direction for the business.

ESN- Where did you attain your design acumen?

KW- I have always been creative. When I was younger I would design apparel and sell to local boutiques. As the demand for my designs grew I refined my skill to showcase a consumer collection at fashion week. This was where TALULAH was born. Since launching in 2005 I have built a team of creative women around me to help build on my own design skills, to grow the TALULAH brand that has a team of female talent behind it.

By Courtney Jones.