I have known Hayley Stoneham for about 5 years now. My first contact with her was through MySpace, then Facebook and we've met in person once too.
Hayley has an Australian, 1950's - 1960's inspired clothing label called Miss Hussy Clothing. She is currently based in the USA with an office in Melbourne, Australia.
1. What is your name and your location?
My name is Hayley and I have a clothing label called "Miss Hussy". Currently I live in Las Vegas but i also have a "base" in Melbourne" which is where most of our items are made. (The rest i do by hand from here in Las Vegas)
2. What kind of handmade clothing do you make and what is your inspiration?
I mostly make retro inspired pieces. Mainly influenced by the 50's and early 60's. I love being inspired by a fab piece of fabric, either a really neat or unusual colour or a print. Of course i do the basics like pencil skirts etc but i love doing limited runs of dresses maybe only 8 of each in a really great fabric. It keeps if fresh and fun for me too.
3. Do you plan on expanding the business in the future? If so, what are your goals?
My dream has always been to have a little boutique! I'd love to be able to do that. I couldn't think of anything better than having your own shop. Hopefully when i move back to Australia I can start working towards that. Las Vegas isn't the best environment for small boutiques.
4. What are you favourite fabrics to work with and do you have a favorite thing that you like to make?
I love working with cottons or cotton elastanes. I love the variety in cotton prints available. You are limited with a cotton though and i try to stick to only using it for 50's style sundresses with full skirts. So i have to say they are my fave only because of the wide variety of prints there's on for every mood. Right now my fave thing to make is the 50's sundress. Its probably because the weather is so hot here right now and wearing pants is torture! - and they are so much fun to trim, bows, buttons, rick rack...love it!
5. Name 3 of your favorite Australian designers (established designers are welcome).
Well i have to be honest, when i was studying fashion at university i would have killed to have owned a brand like "Wheels and Dollbaby" they were the right mixture of punk, retro and rock 'n' roll! Love that style. Unfortunately in uni all i could afford was the tank...still saving up for something!
Im going to cheat here and say that i love my fellow retro designers...You, Moxie Minx and Hot Couture. How fab that Australia is producing some of the best items in this scene. I think its great that people are really getting behind local brands too. There is a huge amount of loyalty right now.
And then Alannah Hill, controversial right now but how can a girl not want that kind of edgy pretty!..lovely! I got a great Alannah Hill 40's style straw hat for christmas. It is my favorite thing right now.
Miss Hussy online store: click here
PHOTO CREDIT: Jenny M
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