wonder woman: KATY FARAGE

Straight up we want to let you know we have a huge girl crush on Katy Farage, and we’re obsessed with her designs. {Scroll down and you’ll see why!} With almost two decades of fashion experience, Katy has established herself as one of Australia’s leading designers…

Along with her husband Joe Farage {we love you too!}, Katy has designs exquisite {sexy} suits and clothing that explore seasonal trends and fabrications while remaining respectful to the provenance and authenticity of the brand. Read on to find out more about Katy and how she has helped to shape the Farage brand into one of the leading menswear and womenswear brands in the country…

We asked Katy the bellamumma q’s to find out a little more about her personal life, here’s what she said…

You, in three words? Ambitious, dreamy, and kind.

What inspires you? Working with my husband Joe who is always positive. He makes me want to push myself to my limit.

What’s your work title? Co-founder, Co-creative Director.

What was your first ever job? Worked at a juice bar when I was 14, I quickly learnt that there is so much involved in running a small business.

What did you want to be when you were little?  When I was about eight years old, we spent a few years living in my Dad’s pub in regional Queensland. From then on, I dreamed about having my own company and being my own boss. At that time, it wasn’t clear what industry. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I decided I wanted to study fashion.

How did ’Farage’ come about? My husband and business partner Joe and I started Farage in 1998 after seeing a gap in the market for sophisticated tailoring for both men and women. We launched our first retail store at Strand Arcade and from there expanded to having more retail spaces, online store, wholesale, and manufacturing.  We were both passionate about manufacturing in Australia and today have our own manufacturing facility based in Surry Hills, Sydney. We always want to remain having Australian-Made garments and so many manufactures were closing during our growth period, so we decided to set up our own facility. It’s so important to us to employ and support our local fashion manufacturing industry along with focusing on all other aspects of the label.

Explain your usual day? Raising three daughters and running a fashion company can be challenging at times but I have managed to find a good balance. I like to be hands-on with the girls so I do the school drop-off in the morning, grab my coffee then head into work for the day which includes design meetings, fabric buying, retail analysis, store buying etc.

What ‘makes your day’? The fashion industry can be fast-paced and demanding and so can raising three teenage girls, so I am fortunate to have the flexibility and adaptability to work either from home or the office depending on what the day springs on me. My husband and I have worked together for the last 25 years so we can easily cross over into each other’s role if needed.

Three things in your life you can’t live without?  My three daughters, my husband and our little pup.

4 fave songs on your playlist? Bleeding Out – Asiah,  Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics,  Take me to the moon – Jade Shadi, – and a whole lot of R&B my kid’s download.

Fave place to escape to? My backyard with family and friends watching all the activity on our beautiful harbour.

How do you relax? Walks with Layla my Cavoodle and meditation always help take the edge off.

Best piece of life advice you’ve received? Never take NO for an answer and adaptability is key to success.

What will you be doing 5 years time? Making the most of travelling and discovering hidden treasures. Spending quality time with loved ones, no longer doing the school run and of course Farage.

CONNECT

For more details and to shop, visit farage.com.au
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