A Merry Journey: Collaboration Q & A with Kylie & Dani
The two founders share how the collab started, take you behind the scenes of the creative process and share their tips for styling
the two-piece collection.
Q Kylie - What sparked the idea for this collaboration?
My partner’s parents called me to say they had a gift for me that was SO OBUS, SO PINK but SO PRACTICAL for all our outdoor adventures… and they couldn’t have been more spot on! I instantly fell in love with the Bobbi! It seemed so obvious that lovers of Obus would also love Merry People, and vice versa! I'm so happy that we've been able to create something so special for lovers of both brands to enjoy!
Q Dani - What made you want to collaborate with Obus after they reached out?
I have always loved OBUS. Their designs are bold and timeless and (like us) they’re not afraid to play with colours. Cass (our Head of Product) and Kylie had worked together in a previous role, so when Kylie reached out to Cass initially - it felt like a very natural partnership. We are both local female-owned businesses in Melbourne’s inner north, but it also gave Merry People the opportunity to work with some pattern experts on our very first pattern boot. I am so proud of the products we have created and I hope our customers also love what we have created.
Q Kylie - What was the inspiration for the print and why was it chosen for this collaboration?
I created the AERIAL print for Obus quite a few years ago - originally it was part of our ISLANDIA collection and it was extremely popular. Aerial has been one of those special prints that has a cult-like status amongst Obus Lovers (frequently requested, and still sought after secondhand) so it felt like the perfect slice of Obus to share. It's a whole new colourway for the collab, drawing from both brands palettes... it feels super fresh!
Q Dani - What about this collab is NEW for Merry People?
This is our first Merry People patterned boot along with the higher raised neoprene lining. It is also our first time collaborating with a Melbourne brand (our second time doing a product collab.)
Q Dani & Kylie - What was the design process like? How did you collaborate and make decisions together?
Dani - It was Fun! Kylie and her team were great to work with. Our first meeting we had in person was at our office in Collingwood where we got to see all the patterns Kylie had created. We spent some time discussing how this could translate onto a boot, colours to style with and the alignment of our brands. Kylie, Cass and I are all mums - so it was great to chat and mum talk, share recent photos and stories! I think the decisions were quite easy (in my opinion.) We had 3 patterns we wanted to see on a sample boot. Once they came in, I wore them around the office and showed the rest of my team for their feedback and together Cass and I put forward our recommendation to Kylie
(which she thankfully agreed with!)
Kylie: The raincoat is a great example of how easy and organic the design process was! We all agreed a second item to round out the collab would be ace, so landed on a raincoat. It was an entirely new product development for us, (but something that had been on our radar, and often requested by Obus Lovers). It was my favourite part of the process because it's NEW! Our design aims were totally aligned here - it needed to be totally waterproof, totally practical, and environmentally made... and we are all so proud of how beautiful the final piece is!
Q What is your favourite boot design feature?
Dani: I love how the raised neoprene! Something you may see more from us in the future ;)
Kylie: I love the colour combination we landed on for this, so many gorgeous tones to outfit with.
Q. Would you wear the collab pieces with print?
Dani: Absolutely. I love clashing colour and prints (when I wear them!) Maybe an oversized printed shirt with a basic t-shirt with straight jeans (or leggings in my mum wardrobe!)
Kylie: I'll be wearing mine with anything and everything from the Obus winter collection, in particular our winter Terry Print (in Lavender and Garnet) will be the perfect match! ALSO... it's pretty clear the boot and coat were MADE to be rocked together! Love a set.
Q. Dancing in the rain? Yes or no?
Dani: Of course I have. If you’re feeling a little flat.. I strongly encourage you to leave your phone at home/or in the office - and just go for a walk (and maybe do a few twirls with the rain on your face) you instantly feel a sense of freedom, rejuvenation and a connection to nature.
Kylie: Hells yeah! Dancing in the rain, Singing in the rain... love it.
Q. What’s your style motto?
Dani: I try to only buy quality products I really love, that give me joy - and that I can see myself wearing in 12+ months time. Items that can be easily be dressed up or down.
Kylie: I love to mix and match... it's all in for me with feelings and memories that clothing can bring us every day. A style motto must also be conscious... so supporting small business, shopping with my values always.
Shop The Collaboration instore or online here.