As Head Designer at St. Agni, Kylie brings a vibrant energy and an intuitive approach to creating collections. She shares insights into her design process, where she finds inspiration, and how she ensures each collection remains fresh, while staying true to St. Agni's core.

What is the starting point for your design process?

"Starting a new collection is the most exciting part of the process for me, as it can take many directions. Due to the production schedule we work to, fabric mood and concept - these aspects need to work in tandem to achieve our timelines. We are lucky enough to be able to weave our own fabrics and lab-dip custom colour palettes, so this process needs to begin early on."

Describe how you balance creativity with commercial viability in your collections?

"Luckily for us at St. Agni, there is a wide selection of core pieces across RTW and Accessories that have gained traction with our customers. We keep recutting winning styles in new colours. Having core pieces continually selling means the design team has the freedom to be creative and explore new ideas, while allowing space to play and be experimental."

"I feel I have improved my ability to filter creative ideas through the St. Agni signature minimal lens."

 

Where do you find inspiration for your collections, and how do you ensure each season feels fresh while staying true to St. Agni’s identity?

Having a clear vision of who our customer is means the most creative ideas are not off the table, as long as they are always filtered through our signature minimal lens. Moving from season to season often starts with a conversation with the whole design team around what we are all wanting in our wardrobes or loving. Travel is also something that is important, as it takes your head out of the "office" space, and you can immerse yourself in new experiences that naturally filter through our design. Japan is up next on our list at St. Agni.

What does a typical day look like for you during the development of a new collection?

Most days start with emails, and then I generally aim to do some sketching in the mornings—10 a.m. to 12 p.m. is ideal for me. Reviewing fabrics and lab dips happens regularly, as well as fittings, as we are constantly reviewing samples to perfect our fits.

How has your design aesthetic evolved since you first started with St. Agni?

I would say my personal design aesthetic has not changed, as I have always loved a neutral palette whilst leaning into masculine tailoring. However, I feel I have improved my ability to filter creative ideas through the St. Agni signature minimal lens.

What advice would you give to young designers starting out in the industry?

Having a good attitude and a willingness to help in any department to get whatever needs to be done is the key. Being open to learning as much as you can from all departments can actually help aid in your design ability.

How do you stay inspired and keep your creativity flowing?

Finding flow is important. I personally need to create a quiet space for myself, which means I often sketch from home as I can create an ambient space without interruptions so flow can happen. It really is an intuitive process that needs space.

Another thing I love to say is "Never say never!" I have learned over the years that I surprise myself again and again with what I might be into. For instance, I always thought pink was off the cards, however, right now, soft pink is feeling just right.