I've been admiring New Zealand shirtmaker Sherie Muijs' pared down and beautifully cut shirts since seeing them on Natalie's blog a few months ago. Polished and sophisticated yet simple enough for everyday wear, Sherie's button downs are the cornerstone of any elegant wardrobe. I caught up with her to talk Dries, Demeulemeester and all things shirts.
Hi Sherie. Where are you and what are you doing right now?
I am currently working from my home-studio based at
my parents place. An old three-storey villa with a view I shall I never take
for granted.
How did
you get into design?
To be a designer has always been the obvious career
path for me. Fashion was of particular interest from my early days. I am often
reminded of being very young, changing my outfits a few times a day and
reworking my personal wardrobe with my “hole in the tummy” cut outs. Even
still, it’s not uncommon for me to change into something else, mood and weather
dependent.
How would
you describe the Sherie Muijs aesthetic in three words?
Treasured, timeless and hand-crafted.
Who and
what influences your designs?
Joan Didion, Ann Demeulemeester and Dries van Noten,
Patti Smith’s ‘Just Kids’, Sofia Coppola, Britain in the 1960’s and Margaret
Howell, friends Natalie Smith, Greta van der Star and Kate Megaw of Penny Sage.
Talk us
through the design process.
I start with an idea. If I can’t visualize what I am
about to create then it becomes very difficult to see the project or collection
through. I pattern-make and sample until I’m happy with the shape, fit, balance,
fabric, and design details.
What made you create a shirt only collection?
Shirts have always
been the starting-point of every collection since my graduate collection of
white shirts; I would then flesh out the rest of the collection from there. My
frustration with the pace of the industry and having to rush the design process
led me into wanting to pare it back. I am a perfectionist and enjoy that I can
now focus on doing one thing and one thing well.
I love your
recent nightshirt design. How did you come to collaborate with Simon James
concept store?
A good friend of
mine had done some work for them and put us in contact knowing that we would
work well together. I appreciate the Simon James aesthetic and resonate with
everything they do and put their name to.
Are you limiting your brand’s vision to shirts or will you be expanding
into other garments?
... Just shirts.
Who is
the Sherie Muijs girl?
She lives in an apartment with white walls and
wooden floors.
She likes to go to the markets to buy fresh fruit
and veg.
She likes to spend time with friends and drink wine.
She doesn’t need to be the life of the party, but
loves to throw a good party.
She’s not loud, and is a good listener.
She is generous with her time.
She is a good friend.
She likes things to smell nice.
She looks after her things and treasures them.
She is a writer.
She likes to laugh.
She isn’t “dolled up” or wearing flashy things.
She is comfortable.
She has a partner. They are both creative.
He loves that she shows attention to detail.
He loves that she is driven.
He loves that she irons the tablecloth and that the
cutlery is set out perfectly.
How would
you describe your personal style and how does that manifest itself in your
designs?
Classic and comfort are the two core ingredients in
my wardrobe, both of which are reflected in the work I create.
What are
your 5 wardrobe essentials?
A white shirt, a silk shirt, a shirt-dress, tan
sandals and white converse.
Any
beauty rituals?
My regime is pretty simple. I use Keihls ‘Rosa
Arctica’ lightweight face cream paired with their oil free 50+ sunscreen in the
summer. I moisturize most days and once or twice a week use Grown’s body
exfoliant and run a purple shampoo through my hair. I have been inspired to moisturize
using ingredients like honey, lemon and brown sugar – but I’m yet to give it a
go.
What’s
coming up next for you?
I have new shirt styles brewing and have been
invited to launch a Sherie Muijs space where you will find my full collection
along with limited edition and one-off pieces. More news on this soon!
Describe
your perfect day
lovely interview
ReplyDeletex
kayla
www.nearlyoldfriends.com
I was right there on the interview until the last set on "who is the Sherie Muijs girl"
ReplyDeleteHe loves that she shows attention to detail.
He loves that she is driven.
He loves that she irons the tablecloth and that the cutlery is set out perfectly.
perhaps I'm just oversensitive to sexism and gender roles, but all of these statements of what HE loves about her... strike me as being outdated and frankly, demeaning. how about changing out HE for PARTNER and that they both love these qualities in one another. as a heterosexual, powerful female, who strives for equality of the sexes and acceptance of all types of sexuality, I feel it necessary to call out things like this!
I've heard of Sheri Muijs before, but knew little about the designer or label so this was a fascinating read. I like the concept of a shirt only collection :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful beautiful profile. thank you for sharing this wonderful artist's vision.
ReplyDelete