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Macayla Chapman and Natalie Knoll launched their eponymous brand, Bird & Knoll, in 2014 with a signature line of luxury scarves using the softest cashmere, silks and cottons as the canvas for their artistic narratives of global destinations. We chat to Natalie to find out more about the Bird & Knoll journey.

Tell us about the behind Bird and Knoll.

Bird and Knoll is really the meeting of a fashion mind and a creative eye. I (Nat) worked as a professional photographer for over ten years and Macayla (Bird) is an ex-fashion editor. I came up with the idea on my travels with the family, thinking of how to merge my passion for photography and travel with my love of fashion - the idea of translating my photographic travel narratives onto the ‘canvas’ of a luxury scarf was the genesis and the person I wanted to do this with was obvious from the start, my friend and fashion aesthete Macayla. Our trans-Tasman collaboration focussed on combining tactile, quality textiles and finishes with distinct photographic images to create a beautiful brand of luxe accessories.

A few years ago we extended that vision for effortless luxury into resort wear. We have set out to create collections designed with pieces that simplify our customers life with their versatility, quality and creative impact. This ethos gives our garments the energy to empower our customers to walk taller and bolder and feel forever feminine!

Was there a pivotal moment that turned Bird & Knoll from an idea into reality?

It started to become a reality once I had floated the idea past Macayla and she loved it. We gave each other the energy and momentum to get things going – and when we got first prototypes back, it really excited us. We continue to energise each other every day with ideas and feedback.

What are the challenges in maintaining a successful fashion label in 2020?

There are a number of obstacles and challenges these days – many are positive in that they keep us focussed on quality and unique creativity - there is a lot of competition out there.

More and more we are looking to incorporate ethical responsibility and sustainability into our practices and DNA – this is something that no fashion label, big or small, fast or high end can ignore. It is what customers want and given the enormous negative impact that the fashion industry has on the environment, this should be more and more of a priority.

Who are the people in your life who have had the biggest influence on your career?

My husband. Through his encouragement and counselling, his strong work ethic and just always being there for me.

Macayla (Bird) is my sister from another mister. Although we work in separate countries, our dynamic transcends this and we just work so effectively together – total Ying and Yang. .

How much of an impact has social media had on your business?

Perhaps not as much as some fashion labels, but we are starting to see more and more engagement and conversion through social media.

Our content is very much about lifestyle and the aesthetics that inspire us. I think that is resonating very strongly with our audience.

What would you say to a young person who has dreams of starting their own business?

Persevere!

If they do, they will learn so much. Don’t think that you can do it all but definitely be open to learning and to delegating.

is not easy but you should surround yourself with people that know more than you and are good at what they do.

What are the five key pieces you can’t live without in your wardrobe?

My Theodora and Astryd jumpsuits. My go to pieces for stylish comfort.

When I want to glam up a bit I reach for one of our floaty pieces – Margeaux or Evie.

Finally, my Celine cabas tote.

Where is your favourite travel destination and why?

I adore Italy. I think I should have been born Italian! We did a trip there last July to Rome and Puglia and fell in love all over again with the food, the culture and the people. So much passion and colour!

What are your travel must-haves?

A good tote, a good and a great travel companion.

Lastly, what is next horizon for Bird and Knoll?

birdandknoll.com @birdandknoll

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With a busy career and business how do you find balance in your life?

I think regular exercise is very important for not only a healthy body but a healthy mind too. I also try and switch off by listening to podcasts. I find that some of these conversations will take my mind off work and get me thinking about other things. This will often circle back and inspire me in work again. Quality time with friends and family is really important too. Time to reconnect and be present.

We are working on more and more beautiful resortwear collections that will transcend all seasons (one of the things we need to try and do when we design collections here in the southern hemisphere). We are also looking at interesting ways to incorporate our images from our scarves into the resortwear by interpretation onto textiles.