Amber Gaye.

Tell us about your label, Amber Gaye, and how it all began?

From a young age I was always making things. I used to make denim bags for my Barbie dolls! I was first introduced to leather when I did a school holiday art program, and loved it as a child. I made my first leather clutch as a bit of fun and dabbling with leather, to use on a Saturday night out with friends. This prompted me to make a few more, then friends started ordering them. I took a huge leap of faith, quit my job in the Homewares industry, and got together a little range to sell at markets. It pretty much snowballed from there. Within a few months I had store owners ordering and my range was being featured in magazines. It was a total whirlwind, within 2 years I had opened a retail store, and was stocked in 50 stores across the country. The label has changed and evolved so much over the years. I took some time out when my daughters were younger, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support from such dedicated admirers who have followed me on this journey. 15 years on, the label still maintains what has always been at its core, and it’s this that has kept it going.

What do you love about working with leather?

Leather is so luxurious and tactile, it’s soft and buttery and that new leather smell is divine. I love that it is a natural product, and I like to think that I am giving something a new life by creating something beautiful from it. Leather has a certain enduring quality that you just cant find with fabric or man-made materials, and this is really important to me, to create a piece that goes against throw-away fashion.

When you're not working, what do you like to do for fun?

My work is my fun a lot of the time, I really do love my work. But otherwise, you’ll find me surfing my standup paddleboard, at the beach, hanging with my family.

What brings you the most joy from your creative practice?

I get so much satisfaction in the creative process that comes from having a vision in mind, and working through seeing it come to life as a beautiful object. I have always loved creating things with my own hands. Nothing is better than seeing it bring joy to someone else, especially seeing it well loved for years to come.

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

The fact that its aim is to support Australian fashion, I just had to be a part of that! I love connecting with other designers of Australian labels and makers of locally made products, it’s really inspiring and encouraging to see so much incredible local talent.

MY FAVE THINGS

Fave fashion piece you own: My collection of Spell Castaway skirts!

Meal to have cooked for you: Anything cooked by my mum, it takes me back to nice memories from my childhood.

Fave place to unwind: Surrounded by ocean on my standup paddleboard.

Song on your ultimate mixtape: Loving some Xavier Rudd right now.

Accessories or bag you have made: My current staple is the Amber Gaye Bucket Bag, I take it everywhere, it’s such a relaxed and easy-going style. But there’s always a special place in my heart for one of the first bags I made, a cute little embellished suede fringe bag (pictured right), that I still love 15 years later.