Summer fashion hits the Sunshine Coast
Thu 06 December 2007
Mykle Ware, Journalism major
Fashion designer LeAnne McClay has released her new spring/summer range of women’s clothing in her Mooloolaba Fleur de Lis store.
Ms McClay, 34, grew up in Sydney with an obsession for fashion. At 15 she started designing clothing and winning local awards for her talent.
In 1999 she opened her first store, Fleur de Lis, in Mosman, Sydney.
“I always wanted to open my own clothing store, but nothing like Fleur de Lis,” she said. “My dream was to open a surf shop when I was younger.”
Ms McClay moved to the Sunshine Coast in June 2005 before opening another Fleur de Lis store in Mooloolaba in 2006.
“I was thrilled to be able to open a second store,” Ms McClay said. “With all the joy it brings, it also carries a lot of stress, having to travel back and forth from here to Sydney every couple of weeks.”
There is much more ahead for LeAnne McClay, with Fleur de Lis stores planned for all over the country.
“We are looking at opening a couple more stores throughout Sydney, one in Melbourne and one in Brisbane, if all goes to plan,” Ms McClay said.
Ms McClay’s main goal when she designs is to achieve an individual look for her pieces while maintaining an affordable price.
Fleur de Lis says its store theme is currently late 60s to early 70s rock. Old record covers line the dressing rooms and framed photographs of rock legends hang on the wall.
However, the LeAnne McClay spring/summer range has brought a very “girly”, look to the racks with its short, feminine styles.
There is also a range of long ‘maxi’ dresses, which imitate the looks of style icons Mischa Barton and the Olsen twins.
Her store also stocks brands such as Cooper St, Ladakh, Nooki and Amplified, and a range of men’s t-shirts, due to high demand.
“When I look back to my school days, I always have a little chuckle to myself; my sewing teachers told me I would never further a career in fashion because I was the ‘worst sewer in school’,” Ms McClay said.
“This is my life and it’s what I absolutely love to do,” she said.
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Submitted Comments
I did not realize I had such a talented daughter (of course ask anyone i always knew it) Go Girl Go Luv Mum xxx
Bessie Mccay
I did not realize I had such a talented daughter (of course ask anyone i always knew it) Go Girl Go Luv Mum xxx
Bessie Mccay
well done Leanne here with auntie scotttie checking out your website. i work for wildlime.net.au check me in the photos with black hair
Susie Clarke