New website www.noir.co.nz delivers a trove of vintage style finds on the internet.
We caught up with the online boutique owner Rachel Pilcher (pictured in blonde wig) to find out what exactly it takes to start up your own business of this nature...
Where did the inspiration come from for your company? What’s the story behind it? I like collecting and hunting down things that are a bit unusual, so it was a natural thing to want to pass this on somehow. I'm horribly averse to the mass-produced cheap chain store mentality where everyone walks out like clones, so I guess it’s also a bit of a backlash against this. I’m an avid people-watcher and I love spotting people who have their own strong visual identity. If you see someone in large dark glasses ogling you, it’s probably me. Oh, and I also wanted to do something that wasn’t law related anymore. I’ve always been partial to the vintage eras, from Victorian through to the 70s, although I’ve found that wearing a giant crinoline is far from practical. The 40s and 50s eras embraced glamour, femininity and practicality, making their styles enduring and wearable classics which translate really well into modern fashion Why would I want to trade places with you? What are the best things about your life? I’m not sure you would at the moment - everything is a bit hectic! I have a gorgeous daughter, and a very supportive partner, family and extended family. My friends are constantly amazing and I owe many of them an immense amount thanks for helping me start this business. Plus I get to wake up every day to nobody but sheep and horses for my neighbours. Mmmm bliss.
Where do you see yourself in the future? In a little boutique store that houses beautiful and useful things, and provides an outlet for local designers and people who maybe just want to make a little extra cash selling the odd thing they make here and there. One day when I get some time to myself again I will return to making my own clothes, and also children’s clothes. All within the vintage theme, of course!
What’s the best decision you’ve made in business? And the worst? Best decision would be going through a number of varied jobs while at school and university. You can never have too much experience! Worst would be staying in a job that I wasn’t happy with for far too long. I think that tends to have a negative impact on all other areas of your life as well
Describe yourself (extra points if you can use a combination of the letters in your name and your company’s) in five words. Quirky, quiet, naughty, nice…um…coffee!!
Which nzgirl most inspires/inspired you? Hmmm. That’s a tricky one. When you stop to think about it we have an impressive amount of inspirational nzgirls. Anyone who creates things with a passion - the designers, the writers, the artists and musicians. I really like Margaret Mahy actually. I used to sit at home when I was about 12 and repeat ‘I must, I must, increase my bust’ over and over after reading Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. It didn’t work.
What are three important lessons you’ve learnt along the way? 1. Don’t ever be afraid to express your individuality 2. Everything passes. Someone told me that during the early days of being a mum. If you hit a bad patch just hang in there and you’ll be fine 3. It’s okay to turn your cellphone off to escape now and then, or leave it at home if you’re brave enough!
Any advice for nzgirls? Keep extending yourself and trying new things, you never know where that hobby or night class will take you and make something! Society is so consumed by purchasing that people can forget how satisfying it is to create things for themselves.
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