In Conversation with Poppy Lissiman
This week, we were lucky enough to chat with the incredibly talented Poppy Lissiman. Poppy Lissiman is an accessories designer from Western Australia and has taken accessory design to a quirky new level. Poppy describes her design aesthetic as colourful, comfortable and left of centre.
1. Starting with the big question ... you were always creative but how did you get into starting your eponymous brand, Poppy Lissiman?
I started my brand in 2008 after I dropped out of uni with the intention of opening my own boutique. I was 19 at the time so didn’t have the money (or the skills!) but saw starting a label and working full time in retail as my stepping stone to one day having my own store. I originally started off with dressy, high-end womenswear and pivoted to accessories only around 2013-2014.
2. Best part of your job / least favourite part of your job?
Best part of the job ... being creative and seeing samples come to life. Worst part ... nothing particular springs to mind except how much I miss the travel side of the job.
3. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I don’t believe in horoscopes.
4. Favourite holiday destination and why?
Favourite holiday destination ... Hong Kong which is crazy because I’m always there for work but I equally love it just as much when I’ve clocked off.
5. Where is your next travel destination?
Next travel destination (not counting Rottnest Island tomorrow) - hopefully Byron Bay in a couple of weeks when the borders open.
6. Do you have any recommendations on something special to watch, read or listen to?
Watch: The Holy Mountain by Jodorowsky. Read: Always Look on The Bright Side of Life by Eric Idle. Listen: The Economist Radio every day.
7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as your top three dinner guests?
Funnily enough, there is an anecdote in Eric Idle’s autobiography mentioned above that I think about often; about a dinner party at Billy Connelly’s castle that was so hilarious that its a miracle no-one died from not being able to breathe between laughing so hard. I’m a huge Monty Python fan so I’d have to say dinner with the last three remaining Pythons; John Cleese, Michael Palin and Eric Idle.
8. Are there any foundations or causes close to your heart?
Foundations close to my heart: Black Rainbow & Mangkaja Arts Centre. And whenever I’m stuck for a gift for someone, my go-to is a Guardian Angel sponsorship from RSPCA.
9. Favourite Fella swimsuit this season?
Casanova Top & Marco Bottoms - I have them in several colours now!
10. WE NAME ALL OF OUR SWIMSUITS UNDER MALE / UNISEX BIRTH NAMES OR FAMOUS MALE CHARACTERS THROUGHOUT HISTORY. IF YOU HAD IT YOUR WAY, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME YOUR NEXT FELLA SWIMSUIT?
I’m going to go with Barry… in honour of Stanley Krubrick’s grand period piece 'Barry Lyndon'. I just rewatched it the other day and it really stuck with me.