Penelope Red is about glamour, sophistication, and elegance, with panache!
I started Penelope Red with the idea of creating unique pieces for the love of it; I love showing people what I can do, and I want my designs to be treasured items of my customers.
It all started with my family...My Grandmother, my Mother and two of my Aunt’s were dressmakers- so I was bound to inherit the gift! Watching old Hollywood movies, with my Father, is where a lot of my silhouettes and styles are inspired.
After High School, I studied the Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design, at East Sydney TAFE, graduating in 2001.
I travelled to Europe where I immersed myself in inspiration and various cultures. My travels were such a great experience- one which I will never forget. Upon my return, I couldn’t wait to start designing my own “masterpieces”!
The Penelope Red label was born.
I chose my label’s name for an obvious reason- my name is Penelope. I chose Red because red reminds me of dressing up; being glamorous; being confident- what Penelope Red is all about.
My European experience made me realise that I didn’t want to settle for just anything... I wanted beauty, I wanted quality, and I wanted my customers to remember and cherish each of their own Penelope Red designs. I didn’t want to be another designer who uses far too much black, and insist that everything must be ripped. I wanted my designs to stand out from the crowd, and I knew that prints and colours was something I wanted to feature.
I admire and appreciate the silhouettes and finishes of antique and vintage clothing; so I use this to inspire a lot of my styling and details. Old movies; a love of 70’s and 60’s prints, and being inspired by Hollywood glamour have helped me develop my style.
I try to produce designs that will stand the test of time. I deliberately never follow the trends- I want to make my own! I want each customer to be wearing my designs time and time again, because they love it so much, and because the quality is beautiful.
I have always enjoyed sewing, and I love the idea of a “NO Factory” policy. I still have garments, which I made in 2001, and I have worn them on numerous occasions, and they still look good. Do you have any factory made garments that you can do this with? I don’t!
All garments are designed, created by myself, and therefore only very small quantities of each design apply. I wear Penelope Red designs daily, so I know how each design fits. Is it comfortable to wear? What can you wear it with? Is it easy to wear, or do you have to keep fixing it? What do people say about it?
I source my materials and trims from many places...If you take a close look at my designs, you will notice a mix of vintage, recycled and new. I believe in today's world we need to be innovative with what materials we use, and what we choose to discard.
I like using vintage and recycled because it gives me access to hard to find prints, and the trims are usually better quality. The pieces I recycle is either fabric that hasn't been used yet (and doesn't fall under the "vintage" category), or sometimes I find an old garment that has beautiful fabric; I simply wash it, cut it up, and make a Penelope Red design from it.
The new fabrics are purchased from local Australian suppliers.
It is always important to think of the environment, and do your part. I have always recycled my patternmaking cardboard and paper (which amounts to quite a lot!), and I have now found an accessories designer who will collect my off cuts, and use them in her production. I think that all of these small steps amount to a better Penelope Red!
From a young child, to now, Penelope Red has been a dream of mine. The journey has only just begun, but I am excited to see where it leads!
To my beautiful customers, I want to thank you sincerely for all of your support; you inspire me daily- I want to create exciting and beautiful designs, so you can feel elegant, sophisticated and sexy. Thank you for helping to make Penelope Red possible.
I am very lucky to be doing something I absolutely love doing for my job! It just proves that it doesn’t hurt to dream, and it wouldn’t be possible without the love and support from my wonderful husband, Max, our families, and our friends.
