Cover story: Always in a Bali mood

Neon Gypsy duo, mother and daughter Carole and Chloe Jarrett, are enthralled by the atmosphere of Bali.

Finding ways to glean inspiration for new collections is something with which clothing designers do daily combat. But the Mount Maunganui mother and daughter design duo behind the Neon Gypsy brand have firmly found their design mecca.

The self-proclaimed Neon Gypsies, Carole and Chloe Jarrett, look wistfully into the air as they talk of Bali. It's not surprising when you realise it's the place of inspiration for their collections for Neon Gypsy.

The brand is defined by a clash between whimsy and wearability, soft femininity and edginess, with a splash of rock'n'roll glamour for good measure. The downtown Mount Maunganui boutique smells exquisite, "It's the Balinese fabric softener we use to wash all of the clothes before they come to store," explains Chloe.

"Whatever we love out there in Bali is extravagant and over the top. And then through Neon Gypsy we make it accessible.

"We find the artistry, the creativity and the extravagance in Bali that comes from the local culture, as well as the people and talent it attracts from all over the world, and then we condense this down into clothing that's expressive, but wearable at the same time," explains Chloe.

Mother and daughter travel to Bali bi-monthly to find the headspace to craft and create their next designs and to work with their manufacturers. Sustainability and fair trade are principles at the centre of what they do - a part of the business model that's very rewarding to them both.

"We're constantly examining our manufacturing practices to ensure we give back to the local community in Bali. "We've been working with the same family for five years now, growing the Neon Gypsy brand from a market stall outlet to this boutique store," says Chloe.

The store's walls are lined with the latest collection that is clearly influenced by something exotic - their signature "blossom'' print of the moment is an East meets West symphony.

Pieces are quietly provocative, subtly sensual, but also bold and sometimes daring - think scooped necks, deconstructed cuts and drop crotch pants, as well as quality staples in black to suit all shapes and sizes. It's this juxtaposition of clashing characteristics that is the Neon Gypsy woman.

"The Neon Gypsy woman is every woman. She can be strong, she can be soft. She likes feminine and floaty and sometimes she'll set that look off with a black fedora hat when the moment takes her," says Carole.

Carole presents pictures of Bali in the 70s and 80s, all sepia and nostalgic. That's how long she's been going there to fuel her creative talents. Back then it was to bring back Balinese lace to sell at local markets.

"It's still the same ruggedly beautiful place. It constantly draws me, and now Chloe, back. It's called the Island of the Gods for a reason."

The sepia tone of the photos is a good metaphor for how Bali informs the look and feel of each collection.

"Our colour palette is often informed by Bali, which is a muted tropical palette. It's got the tropical vibrancy, but that's dulled down with an edgy, harder side. "It's not perfect, it's got mystery and dark corners, that suddenly turn light. "That's Bali, that's Neon Gypsy," says Carole.

Chloe agrees. "Yes, it's those early mornings, that are still smoky from the night before from the village fires, it's like a hangover with incense. The smells, the atmosphere is extraordinary and really helps us think. Once we flew in at 5am and it was like walking into a dream - sleepy, misty and strange, all with that Balinese incense scent lingering in the air."

The Neon Gypsy dream is working out so far, and fast becoming a reality, says Chloe.
"It's amazing that through our travels we can create clothes that inspire women, bring them confidence and happiness. "We plan to inspire more Neon Gypsies around New Zealand - a journey that we hope women will enjoy with us."