#051

A Business Born at 107 Life Drawing

Interview Amy Willing Images Imogen Bowman & Celine Okada

Ahead of the 107 Objects Makers Market on December 16 & 17, we got in touch with some of our makers to learn more about them and their practice. First up is Imogen Bowman & Celine Okada of Socc socks, and it turns out they’re connected to 107 in more ways than one…

Who are you?

We are Imogen & Celine, two great friends who met working in the fashion industry. Soon after we met, we realised we share a similar aesthetic and both had aspirations to start something of our own, so we decided to do it together!

What gets your creative juices flowing?

Anything from music, sketching or a great exhibition, to engaging conversations with friends or escaping the city for a bush walk.

Is Socc your main job or a passion project

It’s a passion project. We both still work in fashion, but it is so gratifying to have something tangible of your own.

What’s the best part about working together as a creative team? 

It’s definitely more fun working together as a team – we often hang out to brainstorm, cook, drink wine and play with fabrics. Bouncing off each others ideas is great for development and generally give us a much more interesting end result. But it’s a challenge juggling full time work and our business, while making sure that the balance is right.

Where did the idea for Socc come about?

We were both creatively limited at work and talked a lot about various ideas we had for a passion project. We started coming to 107 life drawing sessions as a creative outlet, and it was actually over these that we started to develop this idea…so it’s really lovely to be a part of the makers markets here. It all kind of started as a bit of fun, but the more we’ve gotten into it and from the reaction we’ve had so far, it’s actually becoming a great little business!

Starting a business is never easy. What was that process like? What have you learnt along the way?

We have learned so much! Even though we both have been in the industry for years, there’s things you don’t learn working for someone else. As we grow we’re learning about the business side of the brand such as logistics, PR, wholesale & time/money management.

Where do you source your materials?

The tulle is sourced overseas & our leathers and embroidery/embellishment materials are sourced locally.

What’s your favourite Socc-based outfit?

C: All black outfit with a bright Socc. I also love wearing culottes with black tulle soccs + leather ties worn with black mules

I: I’m a shortie so I like wearing them with a mini-dress and Docs/sneakers, or with cropped jeans, ankle boots and a flash of bright tulle peeping out the top.

Do you have any heroes, business, creative or otherwise?
Martin Margiela and Rei Kawakubo are my creative heroes <3

I: John Galliano for his insane creativity, and Christopher Kane for his ability to constantly innovate while maintaining a commercially successful business.

Where would we find you on a Sunday arvo?

Basking in the sun at The Eveleigh, drinking an Aperol Spritz.

What’s next for you guys?

We are releasing some new styles that we are super excited about. We also have a couple of collaborations in the pipeline working with local artists.

You can find Imogen & Celine at the upcoming 107 Objects Makers Market on December 16 & 17. Find out more here.