Q&A: Get to know Città textile designer Sophie Clapson

We’re going behind the scenes at Città and introducing you to our talented team. This week, we chat with Sophie Clapson about her role as a textile designer.

Sophie studied textile design at Massey University while working at our store in Thorndon. In 2016, she joined our in-house design team where she works alongside Imogen Tunnicliffe to bring our textiles to life.

We speak to Sophie about the design she’s most proud of, being shortlisted for the Best Design Awards, and how she’s staying creative during Auckland’s level 4 lockdown.

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I am one of two textile designers at Città. As a designer, I work on the ideation and development of designs that are translated into textile objects for the home.

My role is varied and is not solely limited to designing. On any given day, I may be liaising with suppliers in India, planning an upcoming photoshoot, or checking samples that have arrived in the studio.

When did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career in design?

There was never a defining moment that led to this career. However, from a young age, I had an innate attraction to the creative process and was drawn towards making things with my hands. As I grew, so too did my love and respect for design in all its many forms.

It wasn’t until I moved to Wellington and started university that I stumbled across the textile department and realised this discipline encompassed the aspects of design that resonate with me most—colour, form, materiality, to name a few.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?

I find this a difficult question to answer. We create a mood board that guides the direction and ensures cohesion across each collection. Although we refer to this regularly, inspiration comes in many different forms and places. A grouping of objects or a particular colour combination you come across while out walking can be equally as informative as architecture or a design movement.

Do you have a design you’re most proud of?

I am really happy with the way the Cabin and Bach blankets turned out. The designs are a reimagining of classic New Zealand wool blankets, which often feature a check or tartan pattern in an unexpected colour combination. These blankets can often still be found in many cabins and baches throughout the country.

For this reason, it was important to us that our blankets were designed and made entirely in Aotearoa. The wool is sourced from the East Cape of the North Island and sent to Wellington to be spun into yarn. It then heads to an Auckland manufacturer where it is dyed and woven into the completed design.

Sophie & Imogen checking in at our weaving factory in Auckland.

The Cabin blanket has been shortlisted in the textile and colour award categories of the 2021 Best Design Awards. Can you tell us about this?

We’re excited to be shortlisted. It is the first year the Best Design Awards have included a textile category. In my opinion, this has been a long time coming and the award is a great opportunity to celebrate this often-overlooked design discipline in New Zealand. Our country is full of many talented textile makers and designers who are carving their own path in this space.

What’s your most treasured object in your own home and why?

A few years ago, my nana gifted me her Bernina sewing machine. She bought it in the ’80s—the receipt is still in the bag. At the time, it was an expensive investment purchase. I know it is sentimental to her, so the fact that she has entrusted me with it means a lot.

How do you enjoy spending time outside of Città?

My partner and I tend to escape Auckland any chance we get. We are both happiest when near the ocean or surrounded by bush, so we are often camping or tramping.

Over the past five or so years, my extended family have been slowly ticking off the New Zealand Great Walks—our latest being the Paparoa Track on the West Coast of the South Island. As we all live in different parts of the country, it has been a great way to bring us together and spend quality time, while also discovering remote parts of our beautiful homeland.

You’re currently working from home at Auckland level 4 lockdown. Aside from continuing to design our beautiful textiles, how have you been spending your time?

My partner and I have been enjoying our daily neighbourhood walks. We are lucky enough to live close to the Waiatarua Reserve, which is a large wetland area. Heading out for a walk as the sun rises is a welcome escape from the four walls of our small home and allows us to reset for the day ahead.

I am thankful I am still able to work during lockdown, as I know many are not as fortunate. Aside from working, I have been spending time on my own creative outlets and have rekindled my interest in pencil drawing. I am currently working on a kōtare (kingfisher) for my mum, whose birthday was earlier this month. Although it’s a practice of patience, I find the process meditative.