INSIGHT into the taylor workroom

As we have slowly started to safety resume work in our Eden Terrace workroom and office we thought it was the perfect time to share with you what happens behind the scenes here at taylor.

From production to design we are very lucky to have an incredible team of creatives working together to bring the taylor vision to life. We checked in with some of our taylor team to find out a little more about their role in the company and what a normal day looks like.

Melissa wears Inherent Tank, Assured Shirt Dress, Deduction Skirt.

Tell us a little about yourself and what your role is here at taylor?

I'm Melissa, and I'm the Sampling Manager here in the taylor workroom. I've been working in the taylor workroom for over 4 years now, I work closely with Vicki concepting and creating the taylor ranges and bringing them to fruition, working with our wonderful team of local pattern makers and machinists.

What does a day in the role of Sampling Manager look like?

A day in my role can be quite varied depending on the stage the range is at, I could be sketching up ideas to discuss with Vicki, meeting with fit models and the pattern maker to assess the fit of the garments as they progress along the development process, altering patterns, cutting samples, and working out technical details to make sure we get a beautiful final finish on all of our taylor pieces.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I like the varied nature of the role and collaborative process. We have a wonderful workroom team and a very open collaborative environment, everyone's opinion is welcome. I also love working with such beautiful fabrics, I'm a bit of a fabrics and technical aspects geek - and love all of the stunning fabrics Vicki orders form the Italian mills each season, and working out what we are going to create with them.

What is your favourite thing about taylor?

I love the taylor aesthetic. Vicki has such a clear vision of her brand and the vibe is so distinctive, but within that there is a surprising amount of freedom, to play and experiment with shapes and styles each season in order to push the boundaries and see what we can create to inspire our loyal taylor following.

Sophie wears Originate Coat in Blue Stone.

Tell us a little about yourself and what your role is here at taylor?

My name is Sophie and I grew up here in Auckland. I studied Fashion Design at AUT and am currently living on Waiheke Island. I've been at taylor for almost 4 years now and have had a few different roles which I have loved. I was in the Britomart store for 2 years and then moved into sample cutting with Melissa (this was a great role and learnt so much from Melissa). Then I moved into my current role as Workroom coordinator at the start of last year.

What does a day in the role of Workroom Coordinator look like?

A usual day as a workroom coordinator consists of answering any emails the stores have sent through. I am the go to person for the stores if they have any stock issues, alteration questions or special order requests. I will normally have a few alterations and special orders on the go. I also help Huia out with dispatch for both or taylor stores and our wholesale clients. Also processing stock from New Zealand and international designers which are put into our store The Shelter.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most of all is the diversity of my role. I'm always doing lots of different things and constantly learning different things about the fashion industry. I also really enjoy processing the stock from NZ and international designers. It's always so cool seeing what everyone is doing and how everyone has such different styles. It normally creates quite a buzz in the workroom when new items are unpacked. I think it's safe to say we all love clothes, shoes and bags.

What is your favourite thing about taylor?

It would have to be the team, everyone is so friendly and helpful and we all get along really well. It definitely makes coming to work that much more enjoyable. The clothes are pretty amazing too!

Huia wears the Magnitude Coat in Gradient.

Tell us a little about yourself and what your role is here at taylor?
I am Huia Thompson and I am the Production Manager at taylor, which I have been for nearly 4 years now! I’ve been in the NZ fashion industry since I was 16 years old, and have worked in Australia for fashion brands and here in New Zealand in a range of roles from Merchandising to Retail.

What does a day in the role of Production Manager look like?
BUSY … there is never a dull moment!! There is loads of organising, allocating & planning involved not only within the workroom but with my outworkers & cutters as well, usually there will be an element of problem solving which is great for keeping me on my toes!

What do you enjoy most about your role?
The diversity is my favourite part. Being able to establish and build relationships with the machinists, cutters, pressers etc. So much time and effort goes into making the clothes you see in store - these relationships have become crucial not only to the success of taylor but to the NZ fashion industry. Having the opportunity to create a number of pieces in New Zealand with fabrics sourced not only from local wholesalers but also Italian mills, is another aspect I love.

What is your favourite thing about taylor?
Besides the clothes? I really love the dynamic our workroom team has. We all come from different backgrounds and these differences is what makes our team unique. I think that we are good at being able to rely on each other to achieve things - together we’re a stronger and better team.

Trent wears the Objective Dress.

Tell us a little about yourself and what your role is here at taylor?
My name is Trent, and I am the Sampling Assistant at taylor and I also work Sundays in The Shelter! I’ve recently finished studying Fashion at AUT and I’m fairly new to the role, having only worked one full week in the role before going into lockdown! However it is great to be back in the workroom now helping Huia, our production manager, to get the rest of our winter collections out to the stores!

What does a day in the role of Sampling Assistant look like?
I’ve done a little bit of everything in the workroom so far. I originally started working the odd day in the workroom before getting my current role, usually helping out with the production side of things; quality checking styles, sewing buttons on etc. From there I’ve moved into working more on the sampling side of the workroom with our assistant designer Melissa, where we develop samples for our new ranges. This entails cutting the samples in house and sending them out to our network of local machinists that we work with on a regular basis. The sampling process is never predicable which makes it exciting as we all work together being creative problem solvers to deliver the clothes our clients see in store!

What do you enjoy most about your role?
My relationship with fashion is deeply affecting and is a huge part of my life, so having a role in an industry I love so much is a great privilege. Working with others that share this passion is indescribable and by far the favourite part of my role.

What is your favourite thing about taylor?
Our team is my favourite part about taylor, seeing the experience that each member brings to their role and the dedication they put into it is admirable. taylor has a number of young individuals within the company, most of which are either studying or have recently studied in fashion courses around the country. Supporting the next generation is something I have found particularly inspiring and the support I have personally received has been greatly insightful and beneficial!