An interview with the eternally colourful McIndoe Design

Upcoming brand McIndoe Design are hitting London with outlandish Amazonian prints, awash with bold colour that is here to instill a year-round summer vibe. Inspired by her travels in South America, designer Maddy McIndoe has created a line of hand-drawn tropical prints in both mens and womenswear. The Upcoming caught up with the designer to talk about her thoughts and hopes behind this vibrant brand.

What was it about the Amazon that really spurred your creativity? Do you plan to go back?

I think it was the novelty of being in a place where you wake up and there are monkeys prancing around! I got really trigger-happy with my camera and realised when I got home I had some great research for a collection.

Who inspires you in the designer world? Who would you love to collaborate with?

For S/S 2015, Emma Cook and Alice + Olivia did wonderful stuff I’ve got my eye on. And I always love Agi & Sam’s menswear. Their prints are genius. Maybe it would be cool to collaborate with an artist in the future on something – like a hand-painted dress.

Where do you hope to see your designs being worn?

I had a stall at Secret Garden Party last year and it was so good and a bit surreal bumping into people wearing something they had bought from me earlier in the day. This year it was brilliant to get an artist into them.

Your prints clearly inject a summery vibe, do you plan to create ranges wearable in the winter or are you planning to remain consistent?

This year there will be a winter collection – the colours and styles are more autumnal but the aesthetic of the prints are very similar to the current range in that they’re hand-drawn and quite fun. I’ve tried to introduce styles that still resonate with the label’s identity but are slightly toned down for people who aren’t up for wearing full-on print – people seem to prefer dressing more conservatively in the cold!

Do your colourful creations translate to your own style/personality?

I’m definitely partial to a lairy pattern! It is important to me to try and keep the brand fun and something that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

What advice would you give to fashion students and other aspiring designers?

This one seems really obvious but always spell-check cover letters and CVs. It’s worth the effort.

What are your hopes for the brand moving forward? Where would you love to see your designs being sold?

I’d love to expand into stockists in Europe at some point. Also, I think the prints would work really well in childrenswear!

Do you have any upcoming plans that you can tell us about?

There’s a limited edition collection arriving in spring, and we will be branching out into accessories!

Emily Harris
Photo: Courtesy of McIndoe

For further information about McIndoe Design and to shop the latest collection visit here.