Business: wardrobe restyling service
Margy Meys gives new life to an old wedding dress. Photo: Gerard Hindmarsh.
Already well known in the Bay for her eclectic approach to fashion, Teen Sewing Project, and creative dressmaking courses, Margy Meys of Clifton says her business has evolved into four distinct areas: textile artist, tailoress, wardrobe restyler and tutor.
This is a reflection of the times, says Margy.
“People used to shun second-hand clothes, but now it’s completely the other way around, with ‘retro’ and ‘vintage’ in. New fabric can be expensive these days...but even the stuff in wardrobes can be revamped into something gorgeous.”
Margy says the $50 investment for the two-hours-average she charges to go through people’s wardrobes with them is worth the peace of mind.
“I’ve always had a good sense of matching things up visually. The job is also about sorting out the best style for a client that enhances their body shape, then coming up with a future clothing wish list. One thing I ask is that people don’t do a clothes chuck-out before I come round. Often the unworn things that people have hung onto are the subconscious favourites. Sometimes a small alteration or something added is all it needs.”
Margy’s students range from eight to 75 years. Not all are women. Currently there are two boys in the Teen Sewing Project that Margy runs with Abbey Gilligan, which meets weekly at the high school. Her Nelson courses regularly attract men, usually super-keen to advance their basic skills. In the Bay, Margy’s classes include basic sew-from-scratch instruction if required, and cost $20 per four-hour-long class.
Some of Margy’s wearable works currently appear in an exhibition in Takaka’s old Unlimited Copies building, and will be part of the 19 January fashion show at the Naked Possum.
Margy says that her mum would be rapt to see her now. “She was a tailor in Holland during the war who had to make garments out of anything available. I learnt heaps from her.”
For tailoring, wardrobe restyling or courses, phone Margy on 525 7540.
Gerard Hindmarsh
