I am thrilled to pieces to bring you an exclusive interview with the designers behind womenswear brand hej hej who do linen like no other, Kiki and Alice. And thanks to these talented girls, I am lucky enough to be giving an indigo tie cami and white shorts set away to one lucky follower over on instagram.
How and why did hej hej begin?
Alice has been working in the industry for over 12 years in Auckland, Sydney and Hong Kong. Kiki has been on the ground in Greater China for nearly 5 years and has a background in the tech world.
We have been friends since uni and always shared a love of clothing, sewing and fashion. We’ve talked about starting something together for years.
After travelling and living in Asia, we discovered linen clothing was the best to beat the heat. But we couldn’t find stylish or affordable 100% linen pieces that we loved, so we started making our own.
It has been amazing working with other creative friends around the world. Our graphic designer & art director Macarena is based in London and our photographer Tane, an old school friend, flew over from Sydney to work with us.
What inspires you?
●Colour!
●Premium fabrics that are high quality, functional, easy to wear and look fab. We love linen(obviously!), cashmere and silk.
● Brands like Triangl, who are located close to their suppliers, develop products with interesting fabrics and have found success with their online model.
What online accounts/websites do you follow?
● Instagram: Teddys Store, Tane Coffin (our amazing photographer), The Brim Label, Sauce Mag, Greta van der Star, Anyone Girl.
● Pinterest is a big influence for us, we love seeing different people wear clothes in their own
way.
●Premium fabrics that are high quality, functional, easy to wear and look fab. We love linen(obviously!), cashmere and silk.
● Brands like Triangl, who are located close to their suppliers, develop products with interesting fabrics and have found success with their online model.
● Instagram: Teddys Store, Tane Coffin (our amazing photographer), The Brim Label, Sauce Mag, Greta van der Star, Anyone Girl.
● Pinterest is a big influence for us, we love seeing different people wear clothes in their own
way.
If we were visiting your town what could we do?
Start with brunch at Kokako Cafe followed by shopping on Ponsonby Road. Take an afternoon dip at Point Chev then finish the day off with dinner at Coco’s Cantina on K'Road.
Where would we shop and eat?
Shopping
● Simon James Concept Store in Herne Bay
● Centerpoint Fabrics in Newmarket - they have a great selection and the staff are super helpful
● Father Rabbit for homewares
● Ponsonby Road for everything else
● Centerpoint Fabrics in Newmarket - they have a great selection and the staff are super helpful
● Father Rabbit for homewares
● Ponsonby Road for everything else
Eating
● Tiger Burger for the amazing Gang-jeong Burger (chicken burger) and Kimcheese Burger
(cheese burger with kimchi)
● Kokako Cafe in Grey Lynn for brunch
● Blue Breeze Inn for modern Chinese food
● Ripe Deli for great takeaway lunch options and iced coffee
● Toto Pizza (we’re big pizza fans around here)
● & Sushi for the best looking sushi in town
● Mt Albert Markets on a Saturday morning for our weekly shop
Thank you so much to the girls at hej hej, Kiki and Alice. Such incredible wares. I will be watching the future of this brand closely. Im thinking big things. For your chance to win an indigo tie cami and white linen shorts, head over to Milo and Mitzys Instagram page.
Amy x
