Interview with Laura Howard of SAINT

We spoke with Laura Howard, the designer and founder behind SAINT, about how she started out in fashion, her approach to building a sustainable brand, how her Dad handcrafts her famous leather belts, and why we all need a classic belt in our wardrobes. 

We would love to know more about you, where did you grow up and when did you start becoming interested in fashion?

I grew up in Newcastle, in a small and sweet country town. I spent time by the beach and A LOT of time scouring op shops, devouring fashion blogs (I took this very seriously being up to date with the 20 or so blogs I followed and spent a couple of hours reading before school every morning), designer online stores, ebay, reading fashion magazines and books borrowed from the library, train trips to Sydney to window shop along Oxford St and Glenmore Rd (carrying with me a handwritten note of a map of where Ellery and Dion Lee were situated, plus train times) from a very young age.

I always wanted to be a fashion designer - it was my childhood dream. I find I am very specific, I have a very clear vision of what I want. I’ve always had this; my mother taught me how to sew when I was a child and I felt like it was magic. I can design and make my own clothes?! This. is. brilliant.

Where did you study and what was this process like? What were the biggest learnings from this?

I went to TAFE to study Fashion Design, however, I was offered a full time job at our local designer clothing store The Lair in production off the back of work experience that was part of the TAFE program. After a few months, I was managing the production studio and having a ball. I loved that job so much. Patternmaking, contributing to design, manufacturing the leathergoods, ordering stock and managing stock levels across multiple stores and online, learning Shopify and customer service. I was very passionate and took it all very seriously.

I personally didn’t enjoy my time at TAFE, I dreamt of making pieces using fine silks and leather and I felt what we were being taught wasn’t very inspiring or stimulating, this is also because again, I was very specific - I already had the designs I wanted to create and the fabrics thought out - and I also had the basic sewing skills down from my childhood. So my time at TAFE was short lived.

Launching in 2020, how has SAINT evolved over the last few years?

SAINT has stayed the same and also refined over and over again. We are still producing the designs from our initial collection which I am really proud of. This is because they are still relevant, which has been a part of the brand ethos from the beginning, to create pieces with longevity.

Your designs are made exclusively in premium, natural fabrics, why is this approach important to you?

I did a deep dive many years ago on sustainability and what this really means when it comes to creating clothing. Clothing made using 100% natural fibers is not only more beautiful to wear, pure fibers can be recycled (blends cannot) and 100% natural fibers allow the clothing to go back into the earth, essentially decomposing.

It's quite a simple philosophy - working with exclusively 100% natural fibers - and surprisingly, it's still quite rare to find a brand that shares this approach.

Your dad makes your famous leather belts, and we want to know all about this. Where/ when did he learn this skill and what has he taught you about this craft?

I consider my dad to be a craftsman however his typical medium was fine timbers. I worked with leather for years and when I decided to start my own brand I wanted to learn the traditional techniques to achieve a really beautifully finished product. I did a workshop with Newcastle local leather maker Lyneece Garland to learn more and very quickly I could see my dad doing the same and it took off from there. He has honed the craft and continues to refine his process. Just by watching my dad work he has taught me the art of making things properly, respect for our resources and appreciation for Australian made.

Your belts have become a must have amongst some of our favourite style influencers around the world, why do you think people are so drawn to a classic belt and why do we all need one in our wardrobes?

I think it's the balance of the timeless design of the belt and the handmade quality you can see when you hold and touch the belt, they have a bit of soul. The materials selected for the belts are luxury-grade 100% Italian full-grain leather and solid brass or stainless steel buckles, made in small batches by one set of hands. I personally feel once a product becomes mass produced it loses the character you get with slower, more thoughtful production.

What are some of your favourite ways to elevate an outfit?

I may be biased but the unsung hero is a leather belt, I love a simple look of tailored pants and a cotton shirt, and with the addition of a great leather belt it gives it that extra bit of interest. I’ve also realised a great belt is a sure way to refine a pair of denim shorts for a casual but chic summer outfit.

Do you have a go-to uniform that you reach for and if so what would this look like?

A silk shirt over simple black pants, either silk or wool. Or our organic cotton shirt with great denim and the belt.

How would you describe your personal style?

I like to dress simply, less pieces but of higher quality, natural fibers and locally made. I feel the most myself when wearing black, and second to that, neutrals. I buy from small designers and also incorporate a lot of vintage and secondhand items.

What’s your advice for those wanting to start a fashion brand?

Ask questions, get really curious. I personally found interning and working in the industry to be the best teacher, and forever researching in my own time. Starting out small would also be my advice. And, this quote from Patti Smith really hits:

“Build a good name. Keep your name clean. Don’t make compromises, don’t worry about making a bunch of money or being successful. Be concerned with doing good work. And make the right choices and protect your work. And if you build a good name, eventually, that name will be its own currency.” ― Patti Smith