Introducing // PERA MAY

At The Shelter, we welcome back a familiar face, Pera May! Pera once worked for taylor as a part-time assistant and then transitioned into the taylor workroom while she was studying fashion for four years. Now we are proud to see the young designer develop her own brand which will now be stocked at The Shelter!

Read more to learn about Pera May and her evolving brand.

1. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER IN FASHION?
Yes, it’s called the Corkscrew Coaster – you can find it at Rainbows End – hell of a ride! Haha

I was born and raised in a small town on the West Coast of the South Island. Magical land, full of inspiration! I spent most of my time with my Mother and Grandmother in their retail store and café, constantly exposed to creativity of all forms. They are two of the most inspiring, gracious and talented women I know and because of them, PERA MAY exists ...literally! I studied fashion for 4 years split between Ara and Otago Polytech, whilst actually working part-time for taylor in the Christchurch retail store with the amazing Sarah! When I graduated a job became available at head office assisting the design team and part-time retail in the Auckland stores, some of you may remember. I was working for about 6 months when I was invited to show at London Fashion Week. One of the biggest decisions I have made was to take this incredible opportunity which I’m so grateful to this day that I did. Thanks to my incredibly supportive taylor family I hustled part-time whilst designing and creating a new collection to showcase at London and then Vancouver Fashion week at the end of 2019. I returned with the experience of a lifetime, rearing to go just as Covid hit. My contract had ended with taylor so I moved back home to Christchurch to focus on starting PERA MAY. I met some incredible mentors and very, very special people who became a vital part of launching PERA MAY. And the rest is history…

2. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME YOUR OWN FASHION DESIGNER?
I have always been intrigued by the arts and I always knew I wanted to release my own innovation into the world from a very young age – self-expression and growth through art is one of the most fulfilling purposes in life. It’s a bonus and a blessing that other people can relate to or enjoy your work enough for you to make a living from it. Therefore when someone very special informed me that failure does not exist, so get out there and do it, I did! And I’ve never swayed from that decision.

3. FROM WORKING IN OUR TAYLOR CHRISTCHURCH STORE WITH THE LOVELY SARAH AND TEAM, TO THEN WORKING IN OUR TAYLOR WORKROOM, AND NOW STOCKING YOUR OWN BRAND IN THE SHELTER. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE OVERSEEING THIS ALL WITH YOUR OWN BRAND IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
Feels like a dream. Every day I’m so grateful for the journey and the opportunities that I have faced with my taylor/Shelter family. I learnt more than I realised from my time there. Sarah is one of the most incredible retail stylists and people that I think I’ve ever met. My time with her was invaluable. Then being able to oversee the entire company from cutting table to distribution, to marketing and finally into retail truly set me up for where I am today. I still have a lot to learn but the exposure to this circular environment working alongside a beautiful team was indispensable! I told Vicki when I left, “You can’t get rid of me, I’ll be back” Didn’t think it would be in this capacity – so beyond humbled and grateful!

4. CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY OF WORKING FOR TAYLOR?
The 20-year celebration was pretty incredible. To see a designer and their brand that you admire so much celebrating 20 years of blood, sweat and tears were beyond inspiring. I see how hard they work and I know how you devote your life to this kind of thing – you don’t ever switch off creativity, it’s so personal and it takes everything you have at times. So to see Vicki standing there with so much pride and gratitude overseeing the empire that she, Mark and the fabulous team have built was memorable and inspiring for sure.

5. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BRAND?
I have always been intrigued by the arts and I always knew I wanted to release my own innovation into the world from a very young age – self-expression and growth through art are one of the most fulfilling purposes in life. It’s a bonus and a blessing that other people can relate to or enjoy your work enough for you to make a living from it. Therefore when someone very special informed me that failure does not exist, so get out there and do it, I did! And I’ve never swayed from that decision.

6. WHAT GOES INTO MAKING A PERA MAY PIECE?
Love, passion, inspiration, blood – sweat & tears! Haha. It’s a beautiful process, everything is designed from a conceptual vision that I explore. All sampling and production are proudly created here in New Zealand by incredibly talented makers.

7. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Very expressive, very colourful! I wake up every morning and pick what I’m feeling on that particular day. Love layering, colour blocking and accessorising! And always look for inspiring designs that are unique and speak to me.

8. DO YOU HAVE ANY FASHION ADVICE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Would love to share my advice on the consciousness of fashion styling and buying. Two things; to consider are the toll of supporting the fast fashion or mass-production industry. Be conscious and curious as to who and what you’re supporting, everything can look pretty from the outside. It’s time for a new era of consumption! Secondly, never pay any mind to what the rest of society tells you – dress for yourself, dress to make yourself feel incredible and you definitely do not need an ‘event’ to wear something to. Every day you should explore dressing as an expression, not a utility!

9. WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
EVERYWHERE!!! Literally, can start from a song, my paintings, the activist in me – commenting on something in society, other art, experiences, fabrics, travelling and oddly driving or when I’m in the shower is when concepts develop in my mind.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT BEING A DESIGNER?
The fulfilment of carrying out my purpose and passion every day is something that I’m beyond blessed to have and I’m so conscious of that! I design every creation like it’s my last, it's riveting!

The constant learning and most importantly the interaction that I have with so many beautiful people. Seeing how PERA MAY brings joy, empowerment and education to others’ lives – is the most rewarding part!

11. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BRAND TAKING YOU IN THE FUTURE?
At this early stage, every month brings a slightly different outlook as I learn more about myself, the industry and the brand's purpose. I’m exploring other mediums alongside textiles, I’m having fun, I’m meeting cool people and I’ll look forward to expanding PERA MAY overseas in the future! It took me around two years to establish the model, I’ve finally had a chance to retreat, reflect and get back to my creative zone, it’s been tough learning how to balance it all. So currently I’m just focusing on how I’m going to show up in the world alongside PERA MAY.

12. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG DESIGNERS STARTING OUT IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Abort mission! Hehe No don’t, it's epic but it’s not what it looks like from the outside! It’s hard work – long hours and it doesn’t happen overnight! You want to be certain that this is where you want to head because it’s no easy task! Thick skin, a great mentor, lots of internships, so much passion and an eagerness to learn is what you need for the fashion world. Follow your heart and soul and do enter this industry with a purpose! Strap in and enjoy the rollercoaster!

13. HOW DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN WEARING YOUR CLOTHES?
Like the unique and magical people that they are. These pieces of artistic armour are created to enhance the character that’s rocking them. I hope they feel fabulous, funky and empowered!

Check out Pera May's collection instore & online here now