Parisian-born and raised, Magali Pascal is best known for her French-inspired synonymous label. Having studied in Paris, after graduation she travelled throughout Asia and fell in love with Indonesia, moving to Bali in 2005 where she started sewing her first capsule collection in a tiny home studio – a year later she opened her first store. Today Magali Pascal is a team of more than 80 people (98% of whom are women) with 6 stores across Australia and Bali.

Q&A with fashion designer Magali Pascal

Q

3 words to describe your style are?

Effortless, timeless, refined

Q

Your go-to outfit is?

Statement or oversized blouse paired with high-waisted denim pants.

At the moment I can’t get enough of our white Melody top, a soft, cotton crinkle blouse with balloon sleeves and feminine lace detailing around the neckline.

Q

Did you have a mentor when you started the brand?

No, I did everything by myself in my little studio in Bali. 

Q

What’s your other passion apart from fashion?

Traveling and discovering antique markets – whenever I go overseas I always go to the markets and feel so inspired by the history and culture you find in the books, paintings, and even the vintage clothing.

Q

Where do you go when you need to get inspired for a new collection?

Most of my collections are inspired by my travels and antique objects I found in vintage markets. Sometimes it’s a vintage object that comes from another era, or simply a culture/tradition of the place I visited.

Q

The best fashion advice you have been given?

To keep going, even when things get tough.  If you believe in what you’re doing, it’s worth it.

Q

What’s a guilty pleasure you buy in bulk?

Artbooks! Every time I’m in Paris- I will spend hours at Le Bon Marché’s bookshop and Ofr Librairie, and will always bring back more books than I should.

Q

If you would have to reduce your wardrobe to 3 pieces, what they would be?

Oversized white shirt/blouse, denim pants, and a timeless shirt dress.

Q

A fashion accessory you believe is underrated?

Red lipstick: it can completely elevate any outfit and take you from day til night.

Q

What fashion trend you think should never make a comeback?

It’s not necessarily a “fashion trend”, but I would love to see the end of Fast Fashion.

Q

French or Balinese style?

When it comes to fashion, of course, I love the French style. Their approach to style, it’s so effortless and nonchalant. But when it comes to interiors which is another passion of mine, I do love the way the Balinese live, with their open-plan homes.

Q

Proudest moment so far in your fashion career?

Going international and opening my first flagship boutique at Paddington Intersection in Sydney.

Q

A beauty secret you’d like to share with the CF readers?

Clean skin is essential for me, so I gently clean my face every morning with Aesop’s “Fabulous Face Cleanser” followed by a face toner from Caudalie called “Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner” and let it dry naturally.

Q

Tell us a bit more about your decision to move to Bali.

After I graduated from ENSAD in Paris, I decided to travel to discover other cultures. I went to India, Mongolia, and Indonesia, and fell completely in love with Bali so managed to find a way to stay! 

Q

What’s next for Magali Pascal and the brand?

The brand has evolved and grown over the years, while still staying true to the core feminine identity, working with natural fabrics and delicate lace. We continue to move into new phases of growth, expanding our collections with outerwear, denim, and knits, and consciously working towards a more sustainable approach to slow fashion. I’m excited to see where these new avenues take the brand and I am really looking forward to seeing Magali Pascal in new markets.

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