By Carla Oates
There are few brands that capture the essence of a raw and laid-back lifestyle like New Zealand womenswear label, Marle.
Co-founded in 2014 by Juilet Souter, each piece in the collection is crafted from natural fibres and fabrics like linen, silk, cotton and cashmere. With a delicate colour palette of soft hues, Marle is a firm favourite among The Beauty Chef team.
We sat down with Souter to discuss where she draws inspiration from, how she manages stress and what her fridge is always well stocked with.
How would you describe your brand?
“Marle is a premium womenswear brand grounded on the philosophy of everyday luxury and conscious consumption. Our wares are thoughtfully crafted from natural fibres and are intended to be cherished beyond a single season. We are still a small, family-owned business and have a deep respect and care for the people who work with us–those who make our garments and those who wear them. We believe in quality over quantity and as such, we produce just four collections a year and at times, meaningful and exclusive capsules.”
Talk us through your morning routine.
“I start my day with a big cuddle with my two children, a mug of hot water and lemon, followed by The Beauty Chef’s Adaptogen and Collagen Inner Beauty Boosts–I find these products really set me up for the day and help me feel refreshed. Following this, I’ll head to the beach for a morning stroll and then the mad dash of getting the kids ready for school and into the office.”
Afterwards, what does your typical day consist of?
“No day is ever the same. As a mother and business owner, I’m pulled in multiple directions, but usually, a day in the office is spent catching up with the design, marketing and production teams, conceptualising future collections and answering a lot of emails. We also work with an external marketing and digital team and also sales teams, so there’s a balance of international time zones and video calls and making sure everyone has what they need. I’m getting better at working out where to put my energy. In the afternoons, my husband and I do the school pick up run and head straight to the beach with the kids to burn off some energy before bed.”
When it comes to skincare, what does your routine look like?
“I have maintained the same routine for years now as I know my skin well and what it can and can’t handle. I always start my skincare routine with the Eve Lom cleanser–I love the ritual that's involved with using it as I massage it into my skin and then keep it on in the shower before rinsing it off using a hot muslin cloth. I then layer a couple of serums and mix in an oil to prolong hydration throughout the day and I (always) finish my routine with SPF. My mum has beautiful skin and has told me since I was a young girl to wear sunscreen every day, it’s my must-have product for every day.”
How do you manage stress?
“We’re very lucky to live where we do in New Zealand, the beach and Mauao (our beautiful mountain at the end of the peninsula) is where I go when I need to catch my breath and have moments of calm. I also focus a lot on my breathing. Breath work has proven to work wonders when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Also, keeping perspective, connecting with family and friends, even a quick phone call helps.”
How do you approach wellness and what does that look like to you?
“I don’t put too much pressure on myself about it. I prioritise eating fresh, healthy food most of the time, and each day move my body in some way, whether that be through regular Pilates classes or a walk up Mauao.”
What is your fridge always stocked with?
“Fresh seasonal veggies from our local markets, halloumi cheese, chocolate (has to be cold! So much more delicious) tonic for a gin, and my Adaptogen and Collagen Inner Beauty Boosts.”
What meal makes you feel most nourished?
“I have been loving making the Prawn Orzo dish from Yotam Ottolenghi's book, Simple. All the flavours together are something else, I add dill and Italian parsley too, then put together a little side salad.”
What is your biggest indulgence?
“Shoes.”
Where are you finding inspiration right now?
“I’m currently reading back copies of Apartamento magazine. All of the interviewees are so interesting–I love to see how creative people really live and learn more of their stories. I’m also feeling inspired in the kitchen and pouring over all of my cookbooks. I have given podcasts a miss for a while now but my favourite one is The Last Bohemians. Given the current state of our precious planet and all the overwhelming feelings, each day I look at @goodnewsmovement and for a little daily laugh to bring some light, I also enjoy @simon_devitt.”
