Pigtails and Pirates

We are chuffed to welcome new label, Pigtails and Pirates, to the Hustle&Scout family! This Newcastle-based label was launched in 2011 by Laura Jones, and boasts a colourful collection of retro, 1950s inspired clothing - all handmade here in Australia. We had a chat to Laura about her label and her story...


Tell us a bit about your label and why you started designing clothes.

My label , Pigtails and Pirates, was started when I was searching for a hobby (was at home with 2 small children and did not want to go back to work just yet as a Chemistry teacher) I taught myself to sew and made my children some clothing. A friend suggested I should try and sell some, so I came up with a name (Pigtails and Pirates represents my daughter and son), got an ABN and started doing a few small local markets. I decided to start our ladies wear range as an extension of the children's items, and because I love the prints we were using for the children's items and I wanted some clothes made in the same prints! Pigtails and Pirates started with $80 worth of fabric and my mum's old sewing machines.

 

What has brought you the most joy from your creative practice?

The thing that brings me the most joy is seeing the end result - I love receiving images of people looking fabulous in our clothes. I REALLY love seeing images of ladies wearing matching clothing with their children!

What can market folk expect to find at our spring event?

Beautiful, fun and unique vintage-inspired ladies dresses and more!

What makes your label unique?

Being an Australian made vintage reproduction label makes me fairly unique. Also my choice of prints is unique - I do everything from beautiful florals to star wars and superheros!

What is it about Hustle&Scout that made you want to be a stallholder?

The high quality of stall holders! I have been following Hustle&Scout since it began!

 

MY FAV THINGS.

 

Guilty pleasure: Mama-P raw superfood bites! They are made in Newcastle from a small business and they are AWESOME.
 

First song on your ultimate mixtape: Like Wow Wipeout – It was my wedding song!

Vintage fashion item you own: My Mama’s (my dad’s mum) diamante Oroton bag.  I love this bag not only because it is super stylish but because it has this little authenticity card in it with the date that it was purchased. It shows that my grandfather purchased it on Christmas eve (clearly leaving his Christmas shopping til the last minute!) It was also the bag that she used to attend my parents wedding. I like having a small part of her now that she is no longer with us.

About Canberra: My 2 sisters that live there!

Thing you have made:  A girl superhero sweetheart dress - you will probably see me wearing it at Hustle&Scout!