New Zealand Fashion Designer Juliette Hogan grew up in Karaka, Auckland where she went to school at Karaka Primary followed by Rosehill College. Juliette started out completing a Bachelor of Design majoring in Textiles at Massey University in Wellington before receiving a scholarship to study at Parsons School of Design in New York (from Project Runway). A popular designer with spectacular designs makes Juliette Hogan a Super Star of New Zealand fashion.
What was your dream job growing up?
I’m not really sure. A hair dresses, air hostess, chef, to be able to wear a suit. I don’t remember it ever wanting to be a fashion designer.
Where did your career begin?
Mum taught me to sew when I was 12 years old – maybe then? I didn’t study fashion at high school, or at university. I just kept pottering along sewing in my own time. I guess it took its real turn though when I won the scholarship to go and study fashion in New York. I don’t really ever remember deciding that I wanted to be a fashion designer. It kind of just happened.
What was your biggest fashion blunder?
You have small blunders all the time. It’s the best way to learn and improve really.
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
Everything. Yummy breakfasts, the sunshine, the knowledge that there is so much to do and no one will do it if I don’t.
What is the best thing about your job?
Being my own boss. I love it. I just took the week off and spent it in Queenstown. You can work hard when you want to and then take it easy other times. Don’t get me wrong – it is super challenging most of the time but its also so rewarding.
What is the worst thing about your job?
Feeling like I should always be seen wearing something half decent.
What are the advantages / Disadvantages of being a designer in NZ?
I haven’t been a designer elsewhere so I can’t comment on being a designer here in relation to being one in another country.
What has been your career highlight?
Winning the scholarship to parsons, my first fashion week, opening the store in ponsonby, every new collection designed. I don’t think that there is just one really.
Do you aspire to be like anyone?
I aspire to have the life my parents have.
Who is your favourite fashion Icon and why?
Audrey Hepburn
Who is your favourite fashion designer?
I really love what Hannah macgibbon is doing for Chloe at the moment.
Where is your favourite holiday location and why?
In New Zealand woolleys bay. A bay about 3 hours north of Auckland. It’s the most beautiful beach. Mum and dad have a house there and it’s so easy to escape up there for a weekend and forget all my woes.
What was your latest luxury purchase?
A new Nikon slr camera.
What are the first 3 things you pack when travelling?
A cashmere sweater, the book that is waiting patiently beside my bed to be read and my hair straightners – they double up as a hand held iron too.
What is the most common fashion mistake’s made in New Zealand?
Not really a mistake but more of a pet hate – we don’t dress up enough here.
Is there a piece from your latest collection you especially love?
I have just finished designing summer 09 and I love the floor length pleated skirts.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Being able to turn something that I love doing into my job and my life.
What do you consider to be the winning formula to success?
Perseverance.
What advice would you give young aspiring designers?
Work hard for yourself. No one will ever put in as much as you do. And ask for help when you need it.
What is something we don’t know about you?
That when I cut up my bananas for breakfast they have to be cut into 17 pieces.
What can we expect to see from you next?
Hopefully more of the same but a little different.
Juliette Hogan
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