Okki & OkkiD: Fiona McPherson
“The lifestyle. It’s not overly formal, it’s casual and active with a large slice of social engagement, when there isn’t a global pandemic curtailing this kind of hijinks and skullduggery.”
Okki womenswear was founded by Fiona McPherson in 2016, with a dream to create a women’s denim collection using the highest quality fabrics. The brand was the evolution in her fashion career as a designer, after creating the successful childrenswear label Oishi-M. In 2020, Okki-D was launched, the kidswear version of Okki. With growing demand across the two brands that are sold online, Fiona has been able to employ a local seamstress this year.
Based in Torquay, Fiona has established relationships with international fabric mills and local makers. She uses fabrics that are constructed with leading technologies that provide a superior fit and finish and has focused on creating a brand with sustainable buying practices. “Where possible, fabric is sourced with reduce, reuse, recycle in mind”, says Fiona “Some of the fabrics are end-of-the-roll designer Italian fabrics, some are remnants from Japanese mills.” To further this ethos, the brand works on a pre-order business model, where Fiona only cuts and makes what she first sells online.
Over the past few years, Fiona has developed her own unique denim fits, with a stretch waistband and adjustable leg length to suit women and kids of all shapes and sizes. From an Okki and Okki-D garment, you can expect an attention to detail in trim and construction, and a combination of patterns and prints. Limited edition styles are released on a regular basis, with tops, jackets, dresses and skirts forming part of her collection.
During this past year, Fiona has turned her attention to supplying COVID regulation face masks for local government, businesses and customers. With fabric on hand, the ability to create a pattern and cutting and sewing capabilities, she felt it made sense to pivot her business. Orders came in fast, allowing her to employ a further two seamstresses through Diversitat, both refugees seeking work opportunities.
What is your most popular product?
“Black Betty everyday, everywhere, all day jeans. These were one of the first designs that I launched for Okki back in 2016 and they have been my most requested item since. They fit most women and can be altered length wise on the spot. The same pair of jeans will fit a 6ft tall woman as well as a 5ft tall woman. Simple.”
What are the advantages of doing business on the Surf Coast?
“You are local so there is little or no traffic. You can still be a part of the community rather than just a visitor that may or may not be present on weekends.”
What made you decide to operate your business here?
“Being a sole parent it was important for me to build a business around my children so that I could be more flexible with school drop-offs and activities without being constrained by other business times and expectations. Working at or near home just made sense.”
SHOP
Online www.okki.com.au
FOLLOW
Instagram @okkiokkid and Facebook @okki
