In a quiet corner of a beloved coastal town in the Northern Rivers, Australia, lives Nicole, the heart and soul behind Daughter Co. A proud mother, wife, and designer, Nicole embarked on an inspiring journey from the world of interior design to crafting the next chapter of a brand that speaks of childhood memories, slowing down, and our inherent bond with nature.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
Nicole: Hi, I'm Nicole Randall. I'm the proud mother of four amazing children (Tom, Harry, Elle and Charlie). I’m a wife to my gorgeous husband, Sven, and the owner and designer of Daughter Co.
What ignited your passion or interest in design?
Nicole: I initially worked in interior design and styling, which has always been a big passion of mine. After years of friendship with the founder of Daughter, I was honoured by the opportunity to become the custodian of such a well-loved brand. Moving into fashion design felt like a natural progression for me; especially with a brand that so deeply resonates with my values of family and connection with nature.
Can you tell us about your creative process? What inspires you?
Nicole: Interestingly, I find words are a powerful jumping off point in my creative process. I start with what I would like to call the collection and get inspiration from the words, meaning, and vision before I start to explore shapes. We have a lot of signature pieces at Daughter, which our community return for season after season, so these will often form the foundation of the collection. Then I play with the colours and prints, I like to make a collection where everything flows, pieces can be worn together and easily mixed and matched.
In what ways do you incorporate simplicity into your daily routine?
Nicole: We live a pretty simple life here. Surrounded by friends, family, and the love of the beach and hinterland where we live. Life is very short, and moments go by quickly, so I try to make meal times special and fun by putting handpicked flowers in little vases, playing music, and getting Charlie involved in the prep and cooking.
How has being a parent influenced your professional life?
Nicole: My eldest is 29 and my youngest is 7, so I've been a mum for almost 30 years, and it's undoubtedly my biggest achievement. Forming a career while trying to be the best mum I can be has always been tricky, but I'm grateful that Daughter has given me the flexibility to balance my family and work life. I will also say, the juggle is real, so try not to be too hard on yourself if you haven't found your balance yet.
What's a cherished memory from your childhood that still influences you?
Nicole: Growing up in the '70s in a quiet beachside town is a cherished memory. Riding my tredley (bike) everywhere, spending summers mostly in swimmers or flowy dresses, and my parents bringing back hand-embroidered pieces from their travels—all these moments have shaped who I am today.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work?
Nicole: I envision Daughter as a champion of slow fashion, creating pieces meant to be shared for generations. As for future aspirations, I'm eager to embark on a journey to India, bringing their creative spirit into Daughter through their skilled makers.
Finally, can you tell us anything about the next collection? What was your inspiration behind it?
Nicole: The next collection is called 'You are my Sunshine.' It will have fresh bright colours, with gingham and some gorgeous special additions here and there. It will reflect the ocean, sunshine, sand and sky—feminine, playful, pretty, and fun.
Do you have any questions for Nicole? Leave a comment below.