Wearing: Frida And Fauna

I get a lot of inquires about where I get my children’s clothes from. I used to do a lot of op-shopping (thrift-store shopping). Some of my favourite things were found in op-shops. But I’m starting to find it a bit too laborious. First, I have to sift through tonnes of soiled, misshapen clothes to get to something good. Then I find something I like, only to be put off by the price tag. Sometimes an item is more expensive than if I bought it new. And when I eventually stumble upon something nice, clean and affordable it is always, always at least seven sizes too small. Meanwhile, my children are tearing apart the shop and and demanding plastic, electronic toys that are already broken (or worse, still working). And that’s on a good day. So lately I’ve been scouring the internet for something different. You know? Something that isn’t made in sweat shops by children. Something that will last longer than one wash cycle. Something locally made if possible.

Anyway, I’ve decided to start a little mini-series on some of the amazing gems I’ve found online, for all of those who wonder where I shop. Starting with this one, Frida and Fauna. I can’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon their Facebook page. Though, knowing me, it probably all started with a ‘quick’ scroll through Pintrest. But once I arrived there it took me all of 0.3 seconds to decide to put in a custom order.

Sophia, the creative genius behind Frida and Fauna has kindly agreed to answer a few questions for me.

Tell me a bit about yourself.

My name is Sophia Gardiner I am a maker, illustrator, baker, crafter, collector and garden grower living in semi rural NZ by lake Taupo with my husband Mikaere (Artist) and our sweet nearly 7 year old daughter Frida!

How did you come up with the name Frida and Fauna and what inspired you to start your own label?

The name Frida and Fauna (like ‘Flora and Fauna’) just popped into my head one afternoon in my early making days as a new mother of miss Frida and it just stuck! I wanted something that was sweet and friendly, spoke of flowers, animals and loveliness and could lend its self to both boys and girls children’s clothing. It had to be pretty to write, have a ring to it and be unique enough to be memorable. I still love it and think it ticks all those boxes! And it was without a doubt our little Frida who inspired me to try my hand at children’s clothes. I started when she was very little (six years ago!) when back then I couldn’t find good quality, unique and affordable children’s clothing in classic beautiful fabric I loved (picky I know!!). So I decided to put my skills to good use and haven’t stopped since!

I love the fabrics you use. Where on earth do you find them?

All over the place! As a family we love to travel and with an Artist/street Artist husband we get to travel frequently to big and small town NZ for mural commissions and exhibitions so while hubby is creating Frida and I can trawl through op-shops and vintage stores for fabric and inspiration! I am also lucky enough to have a few family members and friends with a good eye and a couple of Vintage stores who all give me a call when they see something they know I’ll love!

I admire your skills with a sewing machine. When Lamb was about six months old I splashed out on a new machine with visions of making her my own, amazing, one–off pieces. It’s currently sitting on the shelf, gathering dust. How did you learn to sew? Did you teach yourself?

Firstly, thank you! and it is never too late to start! I really love making pretty things for little loved ones (mine and other peoples) and as each garment is hand-crafted, I get a little attached in the process so love to see where they end up on their journey! (client photos always welcome!!)
I grew up in a very creative family and my own mother Jenni can be described as having every personal attribute and interest that I listed for myself above! So I learnt a lot from a young age but did formal tertiary training in Womens’ Fashion Design, tailoring and construction at UCOL in Whanganui. It wasn’t until meeting my husband though and having our wee bundle named Frida (after the artist Frida Khalo) that I tried my hand at children’s clothing…and the label was born!