Hawkes Bay's - Marti Chapman
Marti is a Graphic Designer who has also managed to use his expertise to branch into the fashion industry. He is an excellent example of someone who is uses his creativity to expand into his other areas of interest.
This article has also been published in the 'Source' Magazine .
Fashion - NVAH & neverblack
New Zealanders are a creative lot, but hardly anyone talks about their ‘other’ interests.
In fact I was sitting next to graphic designer Marti Chapman for weeks before I found out he had also started a burgeoning fashion business. The majority of us who have multiple interests have to slot them in around a main job. Graphic designer Marti Chapman has managed to fuse the two together using his creativity as a graphic designer, to branch into the fashion industry.
Marti Chapman and Jeremy Maclaurin started a streetwear label in 2005 called NVAH. Chelsea Thorpe, a friend and successful fashion designer in her own right also from Gisborne, began designing for NVAH in 2009. neverblack was created two years later directed at the boutique fashion market, to make better use of Chelsea’s talents. I asked Marti a few questions about the label to get a feel for the local fashion industry and how they brought the idea of a new label to fruition.
What was your inspiration and drive behind wanting to start a label?
I was inspired to start a clothing label from the creative freedom that comes with T-shirt design. I enjoy creating art for tees, it’s a great medium and you have an open brief to put your ideas on a cotton canvas.
What is your role in the business?
I am the Graphic Designer but I also contribute to other parts of the collection and garment ideas from season to season.
How did you find the people you currently work with?
I originally started the label with friend Jeremy Maclaurin from Gisborne, who had a similar drive to start a clothing label. We are always working with local and national fashion designers, illustrators and graphic designers to add ideas and depth to collections.
How would you describe your market?
The clothing industry is a difficult one to conquer, lots of hard work and
perseverance is needed to get the brand out to the masses. Fashion PR is a great way to help build the brand, and it’s great seeing your label in the Sunday Magazine or the Air New Zealand In-flight magazine. Having someone pushing your brand in the major cities like Auckland is great, especially when we are based in the Hawkes Bay.
Where do you sell and how did you promote your label?
NVAH is sold in around 22 streetwear stores around New Zealand. neverblack is stocked in boutique stores around New Zealand and we are expanding into Australia and Japan. We promote our labels through our websites, Facebook and also our PR firm for neverblack. For full stockists list check our websites www.nvah.co.nz and www.neverblack .co.nz. NVAH is stocked locally at Kingpin in Napier and neverblack at Hunt & Seek in Havelock North.
Which part of the business or industry do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy the creative side most, coming up with a T-shirt design that is unique and fresh. Fashion week is also fun, but a lot hard work. Its nice to see the finished product admired by the buyers and we enjoy the after parties.
Are there any designers in particular that you admire?
New Zealand is full of designer talent. We have some amazing shoe, furniture, and fashion designers. I’m loving the new neverblack collection with lots of cool knits designed by Chelsea Thorpe. I also love the Chino pant by NVAH and just got a new drop of NVAH winter tees in my wardrobe!
It may be due to our small population, but the need to have your fingers in other pies can not only provide another income stream, but it also allows us to fulfil our yearning for creativity and recognition. The progression of turning a hobby into a fully-fledged business however, can be a challenging one. It immediately turns something you previously enjoyed in your own time, into a ‘job’. This usually means hard work and long hours. The additional stress can potentially kill the inspiration that motivated you in the first place. On the other hand, it can create freedom, a more interesting lifestyle and send you on an exciting journey which can make you feel amazing. If you can get the right people around you, and have the confidence in your abilities anything is possible.
Bits & Pieces...
NVAH
Contact:
PO Box 28175
Havelock North
Hawkes Bay
0064 6 877 1640
neverblack
Contact:
neverblack
17 Napier Road
Havelock North
Hawkes Bay
0064 6 877 1640
Sales:
Jeremy Maclaurin
0064 21 560 120
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