An Icon

In celebration of New Zealand fashion, we sit down with one of the greats - Elisabeth Findlay of Zambesi.

Photography: Marissa Findlay | Photographic Assistant: Bruno Finlay-Jackson

What advice in life are you pleased you took and what advice are you pleased you ignored?

Neville and two of his dear friends, Ron and Kate, encouraged me to do something with my passion for clothing, so Neville and I found a space and opened our first retail store in Parnell in 1975. The desire to establish our own brand came several years later in 1979. Possessing a consistent and unique signature, Zambesi has built a reputation of independence, strength and quality. We always listen to advice from people we admire and respect, though we are known to play to the beat of our own drum.

We once read that when Zambesi began, you only had one pattern maker who was also the sample machinist and babysitter. Back then, did you ever envisage or dream of the heights Zambesi would reach?

Sue Lowe was our first in-house pattern maker working from our home in Grafton and was a skilled sample machinist as well. Sue was great multi-tasker, wonderful with our girls, and they loved her and still speak fondly of her. The Zambesi brand has evolved slowly but surely and to be honest, we never had a plan or a strategy. We are still a work in progress as we continue to evolve and we are always committed to aiming high.

“We always listen to advice from people we admire and respect, though we are known to play to the beat of our own drum”.

What advice would you give new entrants to the New Zealand fashion scene, hoping to create their own voice?

Be true to yourself and your vision. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them. I know that loving what I do and working with the most amazing creative team keeps me grounded and energized.

Can you share one of the most memorable moments of your career?

Our first solo show in Sydney in 1997 where we received a standing ovation! So unexpected and humbling. We had such an amazing team with hair directed by Sharon Maher and makeup director Dotti, along with a brilliant production crew and soundtrack that pulled it all together. We had taken part in many group shows over the years and this was our first solo show to an international audience. We had 74 looks which producer Jenny Souness subtly suggested I edit down. However, I refused as I did not want to leave anything out or change the soundtrack. Jenny is the one who insisted we do a solo show from the outset and she was right, as it was the beginning of many solo shows to come in Sydney, as well as showing in London with Trade & Industry and on to our long history with NZFW.

What have you and Neville taught each other?

That together we are a great team. Both passionate and productive. Both considered and committed.

When and where are you at your most creative?

In my head 24/7.   

Most cherished item in your home or wardrobe?

Cherished photos of my family and friends and garments and items that were my mother’s.

Passion or talent: which matters more to success?

Passion!

How do you want anyone wearing Zambesi to feel?

I want them to feel good about themselves, confident and happy in their self-expression.

What are you celebrating this year?

Being relevant and nowhere near ready to give up my passion for making clothes.

@zambesisince79 | zambesistore.com

Interview by Brooke Duder