We spoke with fashion designer Emma Bond of luxury fashion brand, Madi and Pip.
Tell us about Madi and Pip
Madi and Pip is a luxury fashion brand and we prioritise the use of circular components in our design. Our design process is very different. We use universal design principals which means your garments are designed for accessibility, they’re inclusive to a range of abilities. Easy to put on for everyone. I don’t know if like me you’ve ever been caught in a dress because you couldn’t reach that centre back zip, we make the intentional choice to never do that. Our fastenings are on the front where you can reach them or we design so that things are easy to put on without compromising a really beautiful silhouette.
Why did you decide to create a fashion brand?
It started because of the disconnect people have with their clothes so I want to help people understand where their clothes are from and who’s involved in that supply chain.
The brand is aligned very closely with the cotton industry – why Australian cotton?
I love working with cotton because I live in Queensland. You know we have year round summer, it’s a beautiful fabric for us, it’s breathable, it’s soft, it’s durable, yet supple.
Cotton is a really versatile fabric so we have beautiful soft jerseys, and then there’s cotton tule, there’s so many options and I guess when I’m really inspired I was to elevate that fibre and just showcase what it can become
Australian cotton is very sustainable. I love that Australian cotton is grown by family farmers. Ninety seven per cent of the farms are family owned. They’re people that love their land and they’re people that give back to their community and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many in the supply chain.
Where do you draw your design inspiration from?
For me, my inspiration comes from the fibre. Whether that’s Australian cotton, or a premium silk, and then working within a circular economy so designing without the use of plastics. I use biologically circular materials so that my garments can feed into regenerating systems like the circular cotton farming project which is really exciting.
Have you always wanted to work in fashion?
I’ve always been very creative. I was inspired by my Mum who always made my clothes and my Grandmother as well and a passion for visual arts so a combination of the two.
Why the strong emphasis on the cotton farms within your design process?
I grew up on the land and I’d always lend a hand and happy to help you out but I’m pretty lousy at starting siphons, I’m not great on a tractor. I think it’s just really exciting that I can work with cotton in a different way and I’ve really found my way where I can contribute to industry with something that I’m really passionate about but also aligns with my creativity.
Tell us the story behind the name, Madi and Pip
So the name Madi and Pip is inspired by the legacy of three women. So Madeline is my Great Grandmother. She worked in couture at the House of Worth – home of couture, and my Grandmother, Phillamena. She lived next door to me growing up and is a dress maker.
Where can we find Madi and Pip garments?
We’re really excited, we’ve just opened a new showroom in Canungra so we can take our client fittings there, all of our garments are hand made to order.
