MEET OLIVIA CASHMORE

Meet Olivia, our amazing taylor intern and retail superstar! Olivia has been studying fashion and is now in her final year at Whitecliffe University. As part of her final project, Olivia has installed an amazing window display at our Newmarket store, so we thought what better way to introduce the talented Olivia to you than with a little interview to explain what her window is about and how she is liking studying and interning in the fashion industry! 

 

Congratulations on getting to your final year at Whitecliffe. Now you have been at Whitecliffe for a while, do you find you are learning new things about the industry? 

Thank-you! I have been at Whitecliffe for three years, and it has proved to be the right choice for me. The classes are small, and our tutors push us to strive for our best. I am constantly learning new things, there is so much to know! The Whitecliffe course is extremely practical, which suits my personality as I'm a big believer in 'learning by doing'.

Can you explain to us what your window installation is about and what has inspired you?

My graduate collection and window display is based on the book of Revelation, which is the last book of the bible. Revelation tells the prophecy of the end times, and what is to come in all of our futures. My faith, and relationship with Christ is the most important thing to me. My window is an outward expression of an inward reality. My aim was to create an interactive environment, so people walking past would have to stop and think about what the words say. The repeated sentence is backwards, and when the sun shines on the window it casts a shadow onto the ground and the clothes. The inspiration was light vs dark, destruction vs restoration. 

 

Photo of Olivia and her window exhibition at our Newmarket store for a limited time. 

 

How did you get interested in fashion and design? 

My grandmother was an extremely talented seamtress, and my whole family is creative. However I made my first garment when I was eleven. I wanted to buy this dress but I couldn't afford it. I knew my mum had my grandmothers sewing machine lying around, so I decided I would just make it. It came very naturally and since then I couldn't think of anything I would rather be doing. 

You’ve been working here with us in store and have also done some interning with us at taylor aswell, what have you enjoyed the most about working in industry?

I am so interested in the 'behind the scenes'. I think it's important to know the process and be aware about each step of the way. Designing and sewing are the aspects I love most, so to be at the production end is super exciting, rather than just getting the finished product in store. Vicki Taylor came to talk to my sewing class when I was still at school. I remember being so impressed by her professionalism and attention to detail. I brought my New Zealand fashion designer book along for her to sign! When I got the job at taylor, it was a dream come true.  

What are your favourite taylor new season pieces?

At the moment I am practically living in my black Case Anorak. You just can't go wrong, it goes with everything. The Undivided Tunic is my new little black dress. It is edgy and sexy, the perfect combo. 

 

Olivia's favourite new season taylor pieces - The Undivided Tunic and Case Anorak.

 

Do you prefer summer or winter fashion and why?

My collection of jackets and coats isn't small, and is still growing, so I would have so say winter. A layered look with a mixture of silk and wool is the best. 

Where would we find you on a Friday night?

Most likely making home made pizza, and catching up with friends over a nice vino. 

Where would we find you on a Sunday morning?

At Central church, in Hoptown street, ready for another great Sunday!

So keep your eyes and ears out for Olivia and the bright future ahead of her in the fashion industry. Make sure you pop into our Newmarket store and take a look at her stunning window display, which is only up for a limited time!