Lismore designer Monique goes for pink with her new label, Chip the Teacup.

Young Lismore designer Monique Hope has always wanted to be a fashion designer. She recently launched her own label, Chip The Teacup – inspired by music and fairy tales – and for the past year Monique has been blogging and selling handmade designs online whilst preparing for the launch of her debut clothing line. The 24-year-old Northern Rivers resident has her sights set on sharing Chip The Teacup with a global audience, writes Style editor Sam Drewe.

 Q: What sparked your interest in fashion and design?

I remember the moment I first really looked at fashion from a design point of view, I was about 16 and I saw a yellow Vera Wang dress in a magazine and I clearly recall looking at who the designer was because it was the most stunning thing I had ever seen and I wanted to know who created it because it took my breath away like nothing I’d seen before.

Q: Where did the name of your label come from?

In my favourite fairytales there is always an element of beauty, femininity and fragility contrasted with a darker tale or beast. Beauty and the Beast is my favourite fairytale and I chose to name my label after the name of a character in the Disney version of the story called Chip Potts (he is a little teacup with a chip). To me it represents something sweet and quirky, cute and individual.

Q: What was the inspiration behind your new collection?

My debut collection called Dirty Pop Fantasy and it’s inspired by my love of Aussie band Regurgitator and the aesthetic that I see when I listen to their music. The collection is bubble-gum, cotton candy colours mixed with unusual silhouettes, sparkly organza cutouts and frill accents. Its totally unicorn spew – obnoxiously pink with lots of attitude!

Q: Who is your typical customer? 

The Chip the Teacup girl is brave and unique and not afraid to stand out in a crowd for being different. She’s a sweetheart who loves all things sparkling and has a big imagination to match her big dreams. She loves music, art and of-course tea (or vodka from teacups and most likely cats too!).

Q: What has influenced your style? 

I adore Kawaii Japanese fashion – so original and always super cute!! I am also always keeping an eye on street style in area where I live – and I’m lucky because street style around here in Lismore, and places like Byron Bay is very eclectic and interesting – and also I browse the Internet. I’m also fascinated by the fashion of musicians past and present.  People can check out my designs on: www.chiptheteacup.com <https://www.chiptheteacup.com/>

Q: Which Australian designers do you look up to?

Lady Petrova, Romance Was Born, Sretsis, Dyspnea, Her Pony, House of Cards and Wnd.Lnd.

Q: Is there anyone you would like to see wearing your designs?

Katy Perry, Cara Delevingne, How Two Live (Jess + Stef), Doe Deere (Lime Crime Makeup), Petrova (Lady Petrova)

Q: What is inspiring you at the moment? What’s in store for the label in 2014?

Lately I am drawn to textural materials and DIY– fur, sparkles, hard and soft, Clashing patterns and prints. I am loving making handmade pieces like my fluffies and furkinis as well as patterns and samples for the next collection.

Monique’s Dirty Pop Fantasy collection will be out this Spring (Sept 2014) and this summer the Chip the Teacup Glitter Seas Swim Capsule will be released, as well some limited edition Summer garments. Her crowd-funding campaign is currently raising funds for the launch of her label, check it out here: https://www.pozible.com/project/183308

Monique Hope: Chip the Teacup was inspired by Beauty and the Beast.

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