We catch up with Sonya from dog&boy to chat about all things scarves, connecting with passionate customers and her big plans for the future.

What makes you passionate about the label?

Long before dog&boy was even a concept, I remember having business cards printed with quotes from Seth Godin (I have a bit of a Seth crush 🙂 ). One of the quotes was, ‘Catering to the passionate is exactly what you should do’. This always stuck with me regardless of my vocation.

So when I started dog&boy, this was exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to cater, or rather to connect, with people who saw and appreciated the simple beauty in everyday moments – the dawn each day, the smell of rain, the changing of the seasons, or the sentiments of a loved one. It is passion that inspires dog&boy. It’s at the core of our values. We want to make any woman, all women, in our lives – mother, wife, sister, girlfriend, even yourself – feel special every day with something simple yet luxurious and unique.

What’s on your desk right now?

Organised chaos with a side of peppermint tea! It’s been a big couple of weeks since the start of the new year with the first drop of my new collection arriving, preparing for exhibiting at Life Instyle, and new packaging design samples! So it’s a colourful mess of lookbooks, samples and card stocks.

What has changed for you this year and what are you looking forward to?

There are some great plans for us this year. We finished on such a high last year after some wonderful awards – firstly as a finalist in the inaugural Simone Perele Fashion Start-up Scholarship, then nominated as finalist in 2 categories (crossing fingers for the award ceremony on 18 February!) for the GALA as part of Life Instyle – there was a bit of couch jumping and squealing with this news! We have also just celebrated our 1st birthday. So I suppose in dog years we are now in our tween years, and isn’t that all about adventure, imagination and possibilities??!! I love the hindsight I take into 2017 after our first year. So with possibilities and hindsight, 2017 is going to be a year of exploration for us. We will be meeting with our manufacturer to develop and plan ideas for future collections, extending distribution further into Asia and other international markets, and excitingly, some amazing collaborations with other brands. So watch this space!

Tell us about Dog and Boy’s new 2017 collection exhibiting at Life InStyle this February?

I am really excited about this new collection and can’t wait to show it. Life InStyle Sydney will be the first to see our new collection featuring designs in stunning muted and classic tones with splashes of colour – it wouldn’t be dog&boy without a splash of colour!

I am also introducing a new size scarf for those who want a slightly smaller size scarf to our original size.

If someone could only buy one new accessory next season, what should it be and why?

Oh that’s easy, a scarf of course! Scarves are synonymous with cooler seasons, but for me, they are so much more than just a seasonal or practical accessory. They are a year-round accessory, you just need to have a little imagination. A scarf is timeless, ageless and always elegant and sophisticated. It makes an outfit with a splash of colour or adds the finishing touch whatever the occasion.

Are you more of a piece hunter or a gatherer?

When I was younger it was about hunting for the perfect piece, usually an update for my wardrobe. Now though, with my own home and family, I would definitely say I am a gatherer. I love being surrounded by beautiful things so if I see something I love, I will just get it. I will always find a place for things I love.

My perfect pair of ____ is?

I would have to say after scarves, the most numerous of things in my wardrobe are shoes (like most girls I’m sure!). I have a stunning pair of grey suede Roger Vivier Belle pumps I call my princess shoes, because that’s how they make me feel, that my husband bought my on our last trip to New York from Bergdorf Goodman (the ultimate ‘princess store’!). They are such a simple design, yet so striking and elegant. I covet owning another pair. A bright orange patent would be gorgeous. And I would then love to wear my perfect pair of shoes to dinner with my perfect pair of dinner dates, my darling husband and son!

Many thanks to Sonya for taking the time out of her busy week to answer our questions! See the full dog&boy image library here.

Flaunter will be at Life Instyle on the 16th February – if you are exhibiting and would like to have a chat, please send us an email.

Spotlight On: Sonya Michele from Dog&Boy