Publisher Sue Hodgson talks with Laura Bemister, dress designer and owner of Muse Clothing Company
After graduating from film school and then a few years in the hospitality industry, what led you to designing dresses?
One day my mother asked me: “What do you think of my dress sweetheart?” My reply: “I like the colour mum, but not the style.” I was five years old. I have always been a designer; it was just something I knew I could do very well. I have more ideas in my head than there are grains of sand on the beach; this is my gift. I wanted to create something that would be remembered, that would give me independence, something that mattered.
Bamboo is one of the world’s most sustainable resources and its use seems to be a natural evolution for the times we are living in. There are so many new eco-materials and eco-friendly production processes, especially during this era of corporate responsibility. What do you think of eco-fashion?
I had a nightmare just last week. I received a shipment of dresses and when I read the label, it said Made in China; I was mortified! Eco fashion to me means supporting your local economy. Be it fashion, farming or anything else, we need to support each other. I attended a seminar recently on Shop Local, and I was amazed at how simply spending 10% of your income locally can greatly impact the economy. I have been overwhelmed with the support I’ve received here in Victoria and am delighted to live in a community that cares.
Your designs are made from beautiful bamboo knits. Because most bamboo fibre production is in China, it is difficult to monitor the manufacturing processes, and as consumer interest for bamboo fibre builds, it’s likely to apply more pressure for transparency among manufacturers. What are your thoughts on insuring that the manufacturing and finishing processes are healthy?
Manufacturing practices are largely dependent upon consumer demand. There is a growing movement of consumers who care about where their products are coming from and they are willing to pay more for ethical brands. Bamboo manufacturing processes are still in need of improvement, but the fabric has numerous beneficial qualities for the wearer and the environment. The processing of bamboo fibres is actually more efficient than most. Bamboo fabrics absorb dye faster and more thoroughly than cotton, modal and viscose with better colour clarity and they do not need to be mercerized to improve luster and dye-ability. Women are still wearing dresses they purchased from me five years ago due to the sustainability of the fabric. I believe manufacturing processes will improve over time.
What is your favourite part about being a dress designer?
It gives me freedom. I can create my own destiny. It is a career that allows me to evolve, emotionally and spiritually. I love the challenge of combining creativity with business. They are very opposite and yet equally important to ultimate success. I actually enjoy the process of dealing with the extremely difficult decisions I have to make. That is where my growth comes from.
I think fashion is one of the most influential industries in the world. Designers influence not only the way we look and the shape of things around us, but also how we think. At first glance your designs evoke simplicity, but once you’ve put them on an incredible magic happens. I know; I have five of them! Explain to our readers what I’m talking about when I say “magic.”
Magic relates to how the dresses make my clients feel. It’s a transformation, like the caterpillar into the butterfly. Donning a Muse dress makes a woman glow. Even the most ardent tomboy feels entirely feminine and exceptionally comfortable in their Muse dress. I feel a deep sense of purpose when a new client puts on her first dress and she starts to dance.
What were your inspirations for the 25 styles you’ve created?
I started with the name Muse – I knew the name before I knew what it was going to look like; it just was. I had such wonderful supporting, inspiring women in my life. They became the Muse, each one brave and unique. I like to understand their character. A “grass roots” girl has equal amounts of “uptown” in her. Character must come into play with design. A woman’s character dictates her style. She can be whoever she chooses to be on any given day, by just putting on a versatile Muse dress. It’s playtime every morning! Choose your style; dress up.
You’ve got some exciting things planned for the future. Give us a glimpse of what’s ahead.
Every successful company has a responsibility to give back. I design dresses so the choice was simple. Dresses for a Cause was created to support charitable groups of women helping women. For a $9 donation you will have nine chances to win a “Muse by Lauralye” dress of your very own. Dresses For A Cause will draw one name a week for each nine-week campaign and the funds raised will go directly to the participating organization at the end of the campaign. I am extremely excited about this project because it comes from my heart.
For more information visit www.museclothingcompany.com.
Photo by www.nuttycake.com.
