Featured Designer: Mady Dooijes

FK chats to Mady about her handmade organic fashion label, Mady Dooijes

Can you introduce us to your handmade label, Mady Dooijes?
Mady Dooijes offers hand-made garments, created with care in small editions. I hope to contribute to kind and thoughtful design that is dedicated to the idea that less is more. Many pieces span seasons with simple forms for timeless appeal. I only use natural, hemp, bamboo, organic cotton, silk, recycled + reclaimed materials. I use natural plant dyes, low impact dyes + water based inks. At the end of it all – I have pieces of work that reflect my passion and appreciation for design + the environment.

What is your background and how has it helped with the label?
I grew up in the Netherlands in a creative family and moved to Australia 10 years ago. I studied textile design at the Royal Academy of Arts in the Hague. After I finished my degree I packed my bags and moved to London. There I worked for years for a Textile Design Consultancy. When I moved to Australia with my Australian husband I painted a lot. I missed working with fabrics and after having two little ones I felt it was time to start for myself.

When did you get started and what were some of the challenges you had to overcome?
I started Mady Dooijes about 20 months ago. I feel passionate about what we eat, I try to buy organic when possible and so I am also passionate about what we wear. That’s why I wanted to work with natural materials. It’s a real challenge to find woven organic fabrics in Australia.

What do you love about working & dying fabrics?
I love creating things, I am always thinking about it… I like the way the fabric soaks up the dye- sometimes it turns out completely different than I had in mind, but that gives me new ideas for my next project.

What inspires your work, and keeps you motivated?
I get inspired by so many things: poetry, art, imperfections, travelling, flea markets and just by looking around at what’s happening around me. I love reading blogs, the internet is a great medium! I’ve found so many interesting people and artists. Feedback from other people keeps me motivated.

What can we expect to discover from your label at the upcoming Brisbane Markets?
A small collection of ruffled tops, skirts and dresses that I have hand-and dip dyed, some lovely silks and organic cotton fabrics in some delicious colours: tangerine, beetroot and turmeric.

madydooijes.com


4 Comments

  • I love Mady Dooijes designs – and her blog is a constant source of inspiration to me. I really love the cloaked top you have showcased here…. Elegant, soft – very very wearable!!

  • E. says:

    Her work is amazing! As are her blog and tumblr. Love her!

    x E.

  • Great interview and such beautiful designs ~ love the new range! Makes me wish I could get to the Brisbane FK 🙂

  • dayle says:

    mady’s work is completely and utterley gorgeous. she is massively talented, an inspiration and a truely kind person. i have a couple of her pieces and adore them…timeless, elegant with mady’s quirky edge!

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