My Revelations - Louise

Meet Louise from Naughts & Crosses

1. Where do you reside?

Elwood, Melbourne

2. What is special about where you live?

Having the beautiful tree lined streets, the sandy beaches and the best coffee all right around the corner, you can’t ask for more than that!

3.  How did you get your business started?

I have always had a bit of a dress addiction and would always pay for an amazing dress before I would pay the rent. After working with Alannah Hill a few years ago my love for beautiful dresses became worse (worse for my wallet not for my wardrobe) and I became inspired to create my own range of party dresses. Being a nanny, I had noticed a shift in the clothes children were wearing to birthday parties- it seemed that the beautiful dresses and patent leather shoes were being replaced with jeans and a t-shirt. I wanted to create a line of dresses that were handcrafted and made from beautiful fabrics without the pretentiousness I had come across in other labels. So sitting on the couch one Sunday afternoon I came up with naughts & crosses.

4. What is your favourite childhood memory?

As a child I spent much of my school holidays with my grandparents and many hours playing snap and naughts and crosses with my nanna. It’s a pretty simple memory but I loved that she would let me win even though I clearly hadn’t. I think I love that it wasn’t really about playing the game at all but that I loved spending time with her and there was always time for one more game before dinner. She inspired me to call my brand naughts & crosses.

5. What are some memories that you like to create for your children?

I don’t have children of my own yet.

6.  Who inspires you?

I feel as though I find a new inspiration every day. I am lucky enough to have a wide range of friends who are always inspiring me to start something new and give everything a try. I am inspired by people like Anna Palmer, Tim Walker and David Bromley. I love creative people, anyone who can create something magical from everyday things inspires me to create.

7.  Describe your perfect day?

My perfect day (which will often take place on a Sunday in our house) would have to start with a big sleep in, followed by a stroll to our local for a take away coffee. I love to curl up on the couch on a morning off with a magazine and our cat that is happy to curl up with you all day if you’ll let her. I love to spend an afternoon shopping for vintage treasures in Fitzroy or sometimes we will take a day trip to Kyneton or Daylesford.

8. Favourite holiday destination?

We went to Thailand last year which was just beautiful. I love anywhere sunny with a beach where I can sit under an umbrella and read a good book!

9. What are some of your favourite things that you could not live without?

 Music, chocolate, coffee, magazines, my partner & our cat (not necessarily in that order)

10. What is your favourite product for kids and why?

I love books! There are so many wonderful children’s books available and I think they play such an important part in the growth and development of a little one! The book I love to read to my girls at the moment is “Zero” by Kathryn Otoshi it’s about a big round number with emptiness inside. The other, more colorful numbers have fun, and they count. After trying to stretch and pinch herself into another shape (1, 8, or 9), Zero learns to see her value too. I think it delivers on many levels.

11. What is one product you have bought that you did not need but just had to have?

Last year I brought a huge vintage ferris wheel from David Bromley Studio. It was something my partner said we really didn’t need or have room for but I just couldn’t go home without it and it makes me smile every time I see it!

12. Your favourite children’s fashion label?

Naughts & crosses of course, but I’m not totally biased- I love Stella McCartney kids, wovenplay and BIG by Fiona too!

13. What is your family’s favourite meal?

We love Thai food at our house; I am unfortunately not a natural in the kitchen so our favourite meal is made down the street at a cute little restaurant called Bamboo & Lilly.

14. Are you fashion conscious? If so what is your favourite label for yourself?

I do love fashion, but I don’t really follow the trends anymore.  My style is classic but comfortable- I love to wear cuddly cardigans paired with comfy leggings and cute flats. Brands like Metalicus and Country Road appeal to me for day wear and I love something a bit glamorous for evenings out. Girly designers like Trelise Cooper and Alannah Hill are two of my favourites; they do great classic cuts and team them with lovely unique fabrics.

16. To finish off would you like to add a favourite photo? Tell us why it is your favourite.

I have included three of my favourite photos. The first photo is of Milla my little “niece” at 4 months. Milla is my best friend’s daughter and the second I saw her I just fell in love. I love this photo because it really shows her bubbly little personality!

The second photo is of my nana Betty when she was little girl. I use this photo a lot as part of the naughts & crosses brand because much of my inspiration draws from this vintage style, and also because I think she looks just adorable!

The third photo is of Scarlett, one of the little girls I am lucky enough to nanny for.  Both Scarlett and Milla modelled for me for our first catalogue but it was this photo of Scarlett that has really got us noticed as an emerging Australian children’s brand.

Thank you so much Louise for sharing a little about you.