When people think of the beauty in nature, we tend to imagine gorgeous sunrises, majestic landscapes, exotic wildlife. However, Agatha Cub makes us see things that we normally wouldn’t notice – like the interesting leaves, dried grasses, and fungi that are vibrantly featured in their prints. The contrast of all this wildness packed into this stylish and contemporary NYC brand is kind of analogous to modern childhood, and we just love the whole vibe.
Read on to learn more as we chat with the creative director and founder of Agatha Cub, Bianca Reis.
JS: How does being in NYC influence your designs?
BR: NYC is a melting pot of creatives from all around the world. No matter what industry the people here are full of ideas and excited about the possibilities. This is the thing that keeps us thriving, and makes every new challenge exciting!
JS: We know you became a mother recently, congratulations! How has your life/business changed since having a baby?
BR: Thanks! Life has taken a back seat in a lot of ways if I’m to be really honest. Running a business has become harder to maintain. I know it’s a total cliche but sometimes I can’t remember the last time I had a shower. So don’t even talk to me about reconciling bank statements! Haha, but almost 8 months into motherhood and I am prioritising getting back into the swing of things and finding our new normal. I want equilibrium in our new family life. Asking for help has been a big part of this change we are currently undergoing. For example hiring our new studio manager to help while still new is already a huge help. Shout out to Alex!! Hehe, ask me in another 6 months or a year. That will be the test I think!
JS: You are also the creator of the Orignal Swagroll. Could you tell us a little about that and how you transitioned into clothing?
BR: My working career before Agatha Cub, was in women’s fashion as a knitwear designer. I actually quit because I had become disgruntled with the fashion economy and the seemingly vapid motivation behind each and every daily task. I wanted to pursue something that meant more to me. I have always been drawn to beautiful things and to creating things. After a year or so developing products, my hands itched and I decided to sketch and design! Kids clothes seemed the natural transition to me. I feel I am able to help shape an industry as well as many small children’s perspective on the world around us.
JS: Who is your personal style icon?
BR: My personal style icon would be Haider Ackermann. A designer who explores textures, colours and prints all in clean and minimal language. Love him!
JS: What are three things you just can’t live without?
BR: Can I be soppy? My husband Pete who grounds me, my pup who has unconditional love for us and now our little babe Cillian who teaches me every day what I am able to accomplish because of love for another being. Motherhood has made me soppy, but I’m okay with it!
JS: Were you always into fashion and design? What were you doing before Agatha Cub & Swagroll?
BR: Yes! It started with my sister who left Australia when I was 11 to pursue a modelling career in London and Milan. She was always this person that I looked up to and wanted to emulate in every way. Now while modelling wasn’t for me, the fashion world was! I studied in Sydney Australia but started working in NYC at brands such as Helmut Lang and Kenneth Cole.
JS: We’ve heard that the amazing prints on your designs come from actual photographs taken from around the world. Can you elaborate on that, and the process from photo to design?
BR: Yes, they do. It’s been a fun process working with a different medium ever since I stopped working solely on knitwear. I use photos of the world around us (usually on our travels) as a means of creating non-stereotypical, textile print. I like to be informed by the world but rather than walking down the road of gender cliches, I think that we owe it to our kids to show them the grey in the world rather than just the black and white.
JS: The year is winding down, what is your New Year’s Resolution going to be?
BR: To go with the flow and ask for help more. I have been a one-man band for so long. As a new mother, I’ve realised that I am nothing without my community!
JS: Do you have any exciting news or plans coming up for the new season or new year that you can share with us?
BR: A brand re-launch in the new year. Get ready for some exciting new movements for 2017!
You can shop the Agatha Cub collection from Mome Kids who are offering our readers 20% off their order. Use code JUNIORSTYLE for 20% off.
Shop the Full AW16 Agatha Cub collection here
Photographs courtesy of Bianca Reis, Agatha Cub: All rights reserved
All posts copyright Junior Style Sales Ltd.
Please do not reproduce without permission.
