Designer Spotlight | Juliet Souter, Founder of Marle
Marle's Pre-Spring '20 collection has arrived and we got the chance to chat to Marle's founder and designer, Juliet Souter for some more insight into the range and brand philosophy.
Designed from a small New Zealand beach town, Marle is a curated selection of feminine pieces that are thoughtful and low impact. Marle is made up of linen, silk, cotton and cashmere in a palette that is raw and earthy. Their latest collection sees new styles built upon their beloved classic silhouettes. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to work back with your knitwear to elevate your winter wardrobe for this year and the years to come.
See Juliet's answers below.
Who is the Marle woman?
We have a very broad mix of women who wear our pieces and we are consciously designing with the ever-changing female form front of mind. I never wanted to inhibit inclusivity by designing for a specific age group, but I knew that we could grow and develop with women who appreciate fits and fabrics that epitomise simplicity in the modern form.
What was the inspiration behind this current collection?
Fibres and yarns have always been the starting point for each collection. I take inspiration from the diversity of textures and this then leads the overall design. Our collections are an ode to seasonless style and exemplify a perfect balance of multifunctional silhouettes and quality fabrics that are both effortless and elegant. This season is feminine with an emphasis on voluminous silhouettes; It encompasses the building blocks to the perfect winter wardrobe. Think Merino Turtle Necks, paired with Sand-Washed Silk Skirts and 100% Recycled Wool Coats.
We love that each Marle collection is made up of natural fabrications like linen, silk and cashmere. Why is using these natural fabrications important to you as a brand?
I have always wanted to build an aspirational yet achievable brand where women could experience beautiful natural fibres that were still at an accessible price point. It was prior to the conceptualisation of Marle where I learnt of the effects that synthetic fabric, whether virgin or recycled, has on the environment. This became the driving force behind our decision to design with only natural fibres and it’s synonymous with how we identify in the market.
As a family business, how do you approach designing a new collection?
The female form has and always will be at the forefront of design consideration. As a woman and mother myself, I truly understand how important it is for women to feel confident and beautiful in Marle yet each piece must be versatile and withstand what life puts in front of us.
What can we look forward in Marle for the upcoming seasons?
As we near the warmer months, we’ll be welcoming an array of new silhouettes and pieces that are built upon some of our signature styles. Designs are thoughtful and beautifully crafted in a selection of natural fibres and yarns. We’re also excited to announce that we’ll also be introducing a certified organic cotton basics capsule range.
View and shop Marle's latest collection here. Now available online and in stores at Alterior Motif.