Throwback Thursday: Our 2012 Styleyes interview with Friend Of Mine designer Teale Talbot

Talbot, Bella, blogger of anniieemal.blogspot.com Annie, Jess

For anyone who knows us, they’ll already be aware of how OBSESSED we are with market/op-shopping… our specific version of paradise being the Camberwell (Rotary) Market held in Melbourne nearly every Sunday of the month. We’ve had our own stall, we’ve slaved the racks looking for a bargain... and, once in a while, we’ve had a true fashion-lover moment. Like the time we met Friend of Mine designer Teale Talbot back in 2012 and picked up some awesome buys from her treasure trove of hip, chic items (Style Stalker and Friend of Mine dresses as well as a pair of Chloé boots: WIN!!) We held a bit of an impromptu interview to see what got her started, how she broke into the industry and what the future looked like for this young, talented designer.

Friend of Mine is an Australian label with a feminine yet equally tomboy tough aesthetic. Launched in 2009, fresh faced Talbot and business partner Letitia McLean established this bold and respected Australian label where their ‘beach – meets – grunge’ style has been quickly recognised by Australian publications and international fashion heads alike.Talbot's stall reflected this aesthetic, filled with the labels’ pieces at heavily discounted prices, as Talbot was eager to minimise excess baggage in wake of a coming overseas move. We’re talking cropped floral denim jackets, tight leather mini skirts contrasting smooth and patent leathers together as well as statement green python. There were arrays of trademark loose silk dresses to be paired with edgy accessories. For lovers of Friend of Mine, it seemed a bit of a one-stop-shop with leather studded ankle boots, statement snake-skin wedges and chunky heels, all there to complete the look, juxtaposing feminine florals and flirty skirts with tough biker attitude. Described as ‘feminine with a relaxed look’ the clothes have been designed in the hope that the consumer will make the pieces their own by following individuality rather than the trends. 

Here’s a recap of our interview from 2012:

“Designer Teale Talbot started the brand with business partner Letitia McLean back in mid 2009 after studying product development and merchandising at RMIT. In this case luck wasn’t paramount as Talbot “just has it [talent] when it comes to designing”, says fellow store holder blogger Anniieemal. In 3 short years, the brand has flourished, taking residence on the Australian fashion scene as effortlessly fashionable for the laid back Aussie girl, showcasing at parades around the country. We actually saw the show at the MSFW 2012 held at the Melbourne Town Hall in September. Funnily enough, when broaching the subject with Talbot, she replied that she’d actually been too busy to go! Having just returned from living in Bali and now moving to expand the brand on an international scale in LA, the unique talent and style of young Australian fashion designers like Talbot seem set to crown Melbourne as the fifth fashion capital of the world. If the last 3 years are anything to go by, Friend of Mine and designer Talbot, dressed in chic Melbourne black and Ellery sunglasses, look ready to settle in and feel right at home in LA in no time.

With our hands full and eyes gleaming from our moment of inspiration and determination to one-day start our own label, it was time to ask the most important question of all.  What is the meaning behind the name Friend of Mine?  The answer did not disappoint.  Teale explains that “I wanted to be able to answer that common question of ‘who are you dressed by?’ with: 'a friend of mine.' Simple as that.  Pure genius."

Here are some of the latest from Friend of Mine courtesy of madebyafriendofmine.com.au/blog/

Love Bella + Jess

xoxo