Mogil is an Australian brand that continues to satisfy the thirst of women who are fond of accessories.
Manufactured in Bali by designer and director Gil Cowen, the brand takes inspiration from the culture that so many Australians adore. With a plethora of products, Mogil has introduced an affordable option for women who want something different. The label is made ethically by talented Balinese craftsmen and women.
I recently interviewed the lovely Gil...
SMH: What first inspired the Mogil brand and company?
GC: Mogil was inspired mostly by my love for leather shoes, bags and other beautiful accessories! Nowadays, I draw my inspirations from my gorgeous son Tetahi and my husband Mahi as well as living in Bali, my travels, colour, my dogs and nature.
SMH: I've read you started with a borrowed $1000, how difficult was it in the beginning?
GC: Yes this is true, and it was difficult in the beginning. It was a good friend that lent it to me at the time and it was like winning the lottery! I knew I had the chance of making it work and it has, difficulties and hurdles arise all the time it is getting over them and moving forward that is rewarding and makes it all worth while.
SMH: You're not the only Australian brand that uses Indonesia as its manufacturing base; what's the process of manufacturing like in Bali?
GC: Living in Bali brings a very special essence to Mogil. The unique thing about manufacturing in Indonesia is that all of our products are handmade; Bali brings a one of a kind craftsmanship to our goods. The local Balinese are very clever gifted craftsman.
SMH: Does the Indonesian way of life, aesthetics and prolific leather industry impact on your design process?
GC: Bali is a big inspiration for me… the climate and our lifestyle largely affects my creativity. I work a lot from home, which is beautiful inspirational space for me, where I am able to focus and ideas easily flow.
SMH: How do you tackle designing for the global market? When comparing countries and continents, you are no doubt faced by different climates, attitudes towards style and in terms of shoes, the practicality the woman who wears them has to consider.
GC: I draw a lot of my inspirations from my travels, so I think that these experiences reflect different cultural elements in my designs. I also try to design for different markets and occasions. My collections are always quite large ranging from flats to heels to wallets to overnight bags… Always practical, fun and stylish. Accessories are trans-seasonal and with Mogil, clients are able to choose their colours and finishings that reflect the current market. We also sell both winter and summer collections year round to suit both northern and southern hemispheres
SMH: Your pricing is very reasonable and impressive in the Australian design market. Is that important to you?
GC: I think our pricing is fair and reflects who we are. We have a huge client base from young teenage girls to older women, a lot of people have grown up with us and now can afford different items… we try and cater to that.
SMH: Where to from here?
GC: Mogil is headed global, and we hope to extend our brand into other design areas in the future. At the moment though we are just focusing on being stocked by some fantastic stores in great cities… more to come here soon. We are known and respected for what we do. I think it is also important to stick to what we do and continue getting better at it...
As an avid shoe lover and accessories queen, I do believe Mogil has the chance to become an influential member of the Australian market. By designing products that are different, Mogil will influence other designers in the market so saturated by copies.
It's important for Australians to try and purchase fashion that is made ethically, that Australian people are designing (if not on our own shores, but elsewhere) and to support fashion that pushes boundaries or is carefully designed and not mass produced.
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