MOTHERS DAY

(Taylor) What is your name and how did your parents choose your name? Does it have a special meaning?

(Pera) Pera May - My name came from my Godmothers family who are Croatian, (she’s also a taylor fan). It’s Hebrew origin meaning an “outcome or result”.

(Jodie) Jodie White - Jodie in Arabic Hebrew meaning “praised”. They were lucky to have me. Story has it that there was a circus in town with an elephant named Jodie! Mum swears it was a coincidence!

(Olwynne) Olwynne White - Olwynne in Welsh Meaning “White Footprint” and there isn’t any special reason for my name.

Pera wears the Quartz Pant, Translucent Tunic and Singularity Jacket. Jodie wears Single Patch Pocket Integrals and Interruption Sweater. Olwynne wears Reveal Tunic, Cropped Integral Jeans, and Sheer Cocoon Coat.

What has given you the most joy as a mother/daughter?

(P) I get the most joy from the times we have spent creatively. We are very like-minded in many ways so we bond over all things artistic, which is pretty special for 3 generations to have such similar taste and interests.

(J) As a Mother watching Pera grow into an amazingly, beautiful, talented and caring human being. As a Daughter having had an extremely talented and creative Mother to learn from.

(O) Most pleasure as a Mother – The love and companionship of my family.

Pera wears Outline Joust Pant, Undone Tunic Crossed Mesh and Tie Fractioned Sweater.

What inspires you the most about your Mother/ Daughter / Grandmother?

(P) They’re very similar but also polar opposites in some ways. I learn from both their strengths and weaknesses. Grandma melts your heart. She’s calm, patient, warm, encouraging, strong, unique and extremely talented creatively. Mum is like a chocolate lava cake, tap on that hard shell until the gooey centre comes oozing out. A single mother, who puts the world before herself and is always determined for the best outcome. They are my role models and they are the reason I am who I am today.

(J) We have had an extremely lucky upbringing. Olwynne is an extremely creative, artistic and forward thinking individual constantly inspiring me. How lucky are we! Pera inspires me with her determination, drive and commitment to everything she does and in her own words “failure does not exist.”

(O) The dedication both Jodie and Pera put into their chosen careers. Both giving 120%.

What is one of your happiest memories as a family?

(P) Anytime we spent together eating and drinking and enjoying each other’s company is where our happiest memories are made. My family are all hospitality hosts, they love to wine and dine and they have great senses of humour – that’s where we show our love.

(J) Travelling, our USA trip in 2007 as a family and our European/Canadian trip last year with Pera at Fashion Week. All great memories!

(O) The day my granddaughter Pera (only grandchild) was born

Pera wears the Quartz Pant, Translucent Tunic and Singularity Jacket. Jodie wears Single Patch Pocket Integrals and Interruption Sweater. Olwynne wears Reveal Tunic, Cropped Integral Jeans, and Sheer Cocoon Coat.

How would you describe your personal style? Has your style changed over the years?

(P) My style has always been bright and expressive of who I am! Growing up I had a clear passion for fashion and admiration for quality clothing – It’s your fault Mum! As a teenager I found my taste to be more trend focussed, whereas now sophistication, sustainability and how it makes me feel have become paramount to my style. I dress very emotionally and take a look at my day and what I’m feeling to guide how I dress. I don’t doubt my aesthetic will alter over time but clothing will always be a means in which I can express myself.

(J) Dark, layered, edgy. Pera says I border on grunge but classy grunge! I mostly only wear New Zealand made and have since my early 20’s, I think New Zealand has some of the best design talent to offer world-wide.

(O) Smart and tailored, which hasn’t changed much over the years.

Jodie wears Stadium Dress - Black Spot, Extension tank and Single Patch Pocket Integrals.

Can you tell us a bit about your career and how you approach dressing for work?

(P) I work in fashion, so getting dressed in the morning is one of my favourite parts of the day. If I’m not feeling myself in my attire, then it’s not a good start to my day! When I’m working for taylor – I’m putting together my favourite pieces that I have from their latest collection to wear in store to inspire the wonderful clients. When I’m Entrepreneuring as I currently call it, I wear pieces I have designed or other designer pieces that I love. I like to dress up, it makes me feel confident and brings me so much joy. I can be whoever I want to be wearing whatever I want – it’s your freedom!

(J) I originally was partners with my Mother in a Café/Bar/Upmarket Retail Store which I enjoyed immensely. For the last 10 years I have been lucky enough to work for Hunter Furniture and Lazyboy Galleries, as their Merchandiser and Buyer. I am involved in store set ups, display sets for tv adverts, it’s quite a varied role for another forward thinking company that has to be evolving and changing with the fashion world at all times.

I have kept the same style all the way through. Black, layered clothing that makes me feel good, look stylish and has a great design aesthetic to them.Feeling and looking good is paramount for me in a work environment, it helps me feel professional and creative.

(O) A peak in my career was owning an eclectic Department Store which sold homewares, interior décor, Italian shoes & bags and a handful of Fashion Designers brands. Throughout, I relied on smart and tailored clothing to feel comfortable and like myself.

Olwynne wears Reveal Tunic, Cropped Integral Jeans, and Sheer Cocoon Coat.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

(P) Showing my first collection during London Fashion Week with Oxford Fashion Studios. Then showing in Vancouver with Apparel Magazine at Vancouver Fashion Week. This was during my first year after graduating and it was the most amazing learning curve. It was especially rewarding being able experience it with my two favourite people. Also getting to experience Paris Fashion Week with Vicki, Mark and Kerri was probably the best exposure to the Fashion Industry on a Global level that someone in my position could ever experience!

(J) Making a success out of our Café/Bar/Retail Store – winning awards in the Café and having a beautiful retail store, that gave a lot of people a lot of pleasure.

(O) The day Jodie joined me in the store and we could bring the two generations of ideas to our customers.

Tell us about your experience shopping together here at taylor?

(P) Every time something new arrives in store I’m on the phone to Mum and Grandma or sending them online links to have a look. I love to get Mum in store, styling her in pieces that I know will make her feel like a million dollars. You know you’ve hit the money when she’s smiling from ear to ear feeling herself in a fabulous new look. It makes me so happy when you can bring joy to someone from showing them how amazing they can look in stunning designer pieces.

(J) I had shopped at taylor a few times, then when I saw an advert for a Part-Time Retail Stylist position come up in Christchurch I told Pera to apply. She was doing her Fashion Design Degree at the time. That was the beginning of the end. She only worked 2 days a week but was constantly telling Mum and I what we and herself needed! Shopping in store with Pera or Sarah in Christchurch is beyond inspiring. Their ability to put us into items we wouldn’t even try and style us into these amazing looks, is just so amazing! Not good for my wallet however…

(O) Pera convinced me I wasn’t too old to wear the clothing with her insight into the brand and she knew pieces that would suit me, as do the other amazing stylists amongst the stores. It’s always exciting feeling fabulous in such exquisite pieces.

Pera Wears Translucent Tunic, Washed Equate Top and Washed Variegate Pant. Jodie wears Extension Tank, Ripple Necessary Tee, Raw Edge Oblique, Single Patch Pocket Integrals and Nuance Coat.

Outside of work, what are you passionate about?

(P) I love anything creative and high energy filled, painting, cooking, movies, music, travel! Alongside the high energy I am also trying to practice balance – It’s so important to take time for yourself within nature. For me it’s to be around the water, I love sunshine and the beach!

(J) Some of my many passions include design, Interiors and Fashion. Art, jewellery and travel also have a special part in my life!

(O) I Love to travel and have done so extensively with my husband throughout our lives. Since being on my own for 10 years, I have been very fortunate to have great family and friends to now travel with. Especially last year with Jodie and Pera, travelling to London and Vancouver for Fashion Weeks.

Pera wears Outline Joust Pant, Undone Tunic Crossed Mesh and Tie Fractioned Sweater. Jodie wears Stadium Dress - Black Spot, Extension tank and Single Patch Pocket Integrals. Olwynne wears Activation Jacket - Black/White Check, Linear Cogent Pants.

What do you love about taylor as a brand

(P) The culture, the family environment, the passion, the love and the care. As a designer/creative myself I can appreciate immensely what Vicki and Melissa do in terms of garment design, it takes talent to design the way they do.I feel honoured to wear and to have worked for such an intelligent, passionate and iconic creative. You never quite know what you’re in for at taylor it’s an exciting experience!

(J) Everything! The pants, tops, the ability to layer… the cuts, the design. Taylor is edgy, yet timeless, I have a special love for all the black pieces. I’m absolutely in love with the design and they make me feel so good!

(O) I love that it is very original and unique. Vicki pushes the boundaries and it really works. Beautiful fabrics, edgy but still classic – which you can see provides for 3 generations of styles.

What are your top picks from the taylor winter season ‘ Motion, Space and Form ‘

Pera's top picks for the season ahead

Quartered Sweater, Quartz Pant, Translucent Tunic.

Jodie's top picks for the season aheadSingle Patch Pocket Integral Pant, Sheer Analogy Shirt, Interruption Sweater.

Olwynne's top picks for the season aheadReveal Tunic, Activation Jacket, Sheer Cocoon Jacket.

Click here to shop all these items above.

Special thanks to Simon James for the use of the '"Parallel Chair."