We interviewed Joanne to get a little more info on her, her life, her loves, her vision..

 

Tell us a little about your personal life?

I live in the beautiful city of York & as much as I love the city, I often find the sun calling. Whenever I can, I travel to far flung places to get my Vitamin D fix. I find travel is so inspirational to what I do.

I married Marco in 2013 after meeting in a Tuk Tuk in Bangkok (that's for another interview!) & we live happily in a converted barn with our cat 'Mittens'.

Where have you travelled to recently?

Last year we spent a wonderful month travelling around Costa Rica (highly recommended for the wildlife & surf!), we spent part of the Summer driving down through France to Italy for our wedding anniversary & I spent a month living just outside of Athens (more on that later). Wherever I go I have my laptop in hand as running Makki never really stops. Fortunately I have trusted people who send out all our lovely orders across the world whilst I am away.

As well as trips to inspire, I also spend time with our manufacturers in South Korea working on new designs & samples for the coming season.

What are your passions?

I'm a nature lover, you'll find me happily at the beach, preferably in the sun & usually with a yoga mat under my arm. I love colour, travel, reading, music, cooking, dancing.. the list goes on.

Favourite Food?

It has to be Thai food, such wonderful flavours. Although since marrying an Italian, I am quite a fan of Italian cooking.

Tell us a few things we don't know about you?

- I have a degree in Marine Biology.

- I qualified as a Yoga teacher last year & spent an amazing month training just outside of Athens. Working in the Fashion Industry can be very stressful, so I find my yoga gives me that time out, it is my sanity & my peace.

- I can't drink coffee (as much as I'd love to!), it makes me bounce off the ceiling & then gives me a headache.

Where do you draw inspiration from when designing?

I've often been inspired by past decades & music. Makki has experienced the Electric Collection, the Art Deco Collection, the New Wave Collection & the Glamour 54 Collection. Shapes & styles from different eras, whether that's architecture, fashion or the sounds of the times have all contributed to the changing Collections of Makki.

More recently nature & the elements have influenced my design & I often see shapes & colours whilst out on my walks which I bring into future Collections.

How would you like to be remembered?

A big heart, fun, a bit of a nomad who always has time & love for people.