Designer Q&A – Melinda & Narina

Today we catch up with sisters Melinda & Narina Janian, to talk about their gorgeous self named label, Melinda & Narina.

What made you decide to start Melinda & Narina and how do you go about it?

From the age of three sitting with my grandmother and learning how to knit, the love of fashion was apparent as my only request was to create a circular knitted skirt that would twirl as I spun around. The love of design was always with me. After studying at the Whitehouse it became inevitable that I would pursue a career in fashion.” – Mel

My involvement with the fashion industry came about purely through accompanying my sister overseas on fabric sourcing trips. I fell inlove with all things fashion. I have a background in Business management which balances out m ine and Mel’s strengths. This has helped in establishing our label Melinda and Narina.” – Narina

What was the inspiration for the Spring Summer Range?

When I was in Spain, I had my sketch pad on hand at all times, I was inspired at almost everything I saw. Certain smells, tastes and colours evokes so much anxious excitement and energy, this combination was exactly what I needed to design this collection!” – Mel

What is your favourite piece in the new collection?

The Salamanca dress…as I choose the fabric, thank you very much Mel.”- Narina.

A love the Fandango- from the age of three I adored skirts that I could twirl in, a childhood thing, some things never change”- Mel

All your items are produced locally – what lead to that decision?

We made several attempts to produce overseas to know avail. The quality we were striving to achieve came through local producers, wewere able to control the quality much easier. -Narina

Which designers inspire you?

Roberto Cavalli – Mel and Narina

What tips can you over people looking to get into the fashion industry?

Be true to yourself, to believe in what you are doing a be passionate about it.” – Mel

What’s next for Melinda & Narina?

More of what we’re doing and sticking to what we know! -Narina

You can check out Melinda & Narnia’s gorgeous Spring Summer 09 Range in the Never Shopped Out Lookbook Section