Who we are.

Welcome to Studio Alida, the design hub founded by Waiheke Island, New Zealand based textile designer Sophie Poelman. At Studio Alida, we offer design consultancy services to brands with a commitment to good design and sustainability. Sophie's design philosophy, rooted in over 20 years of experience, seamlessly blends functional design, performance textiles, and a passion for natural fibres with progressive, modern aesthetics, embodying the principles of "less, but better" design.

With a rich background in designing and manufacturing textile products, Sophie has learned that investing time in thoughtful design at the project's inception means a better bottom line. Her efficiency-focused design process results in lower per-unit costs, fewer prototypes, and increased product demand, fostering a cycle of reduced costs and repeat orders.

Drawing from a decade of experience in European, North American, and Australasian textile markets with global brands, Sophie collaborates closely with brand leaders to unlock the market potential of innovative ideas. Having worked as an in-house designer for large companies, as a small business owner, and a Kickstarter-funded startup founder, she brings a diverse range of perspectives to every project.

Sophie's superpower lies in working directly with founders and CEOs of textile companies, strategically guiding them to grow their brands through product design. Her strengths encompass specialized technical textile knowledge, on-trend color direction, range planning for new product categories, and market-driven design direction.

While Sophie is currently dedicating her focus to her wool startup business, Lof, and a select group of existing clients, she remains open to engaging in special projects with like-minded individuals. At Studio Alida, we are here to turn your design aspirations into reality, one thoughtful project at a time.

What we do.

  • Product Strategy.

    — Explore market and sales analyses to identify strategic opportunities tailored to your brand.

    — Delve into what aligns with your brand identity and pinpoint areas of growth potential.

    — Develop a comprehensive plan for introducing a new product range, ensuring a strategic and successful expansion.

  • Creative direction and leadership.

    Whether empowering an existing in-house design team or operating independently, we bring your brand vision to life.

    — Design Concept: Color schemes, prints, moods, and branding to define the look and feel of seasonal ranges.

    — Performance Apparel Design: Product briefings, and design direction tailored for specific end-uses or sports activities, ensuring functionality meets style.

    — Optimizing Every SKU: Enhancing design, function, and profitability in your existing product range. Unlock the full potential of each product by meticulously perfecting and refining your current product range. Our focus is on elevating design aesthetics, enhancing functionality, and maximizing profitability to ensure each product contributes to the overall success of your brand.

  • Sourcing and Development.

    — Functional Textile Sourcing Brief: Navigate the realm of functional textiles with a comprehensive briefing and sourcing from offshore mills.

    — Textile Selection and Innovation: Identify and incorporate functional textiles into products, tailored to meet specific product design requirements.

    — Streamlining Prototyping: Enhance the efficiency of offshore sampling and prototyping processes for a seamless and effective development journey.

  • Develop a design-led business

    Cultivate a Design-Led Culture:

    Embark on the journey to develop a design-led business with our expertise. We specialize in building design capabilities for textile businesses aspiring to foster a positive and innovative creative culture.

    — Talent Identification and Hiring Support: Identify gaps in your product development team, guide you through the entire hiring process, and curate the right company culture to ensure a team of happier and more fulfilled creatives.

    Because, as we believe, happy designers with a clear briefing leads to better products.

The Process.

 

Make Contact.

Initiate the conversation by reaching out. We schedule a phone call or Zoom meeting to delve into each other's businesses and assess compatibility. Additional meetings beyond this stage are billed hourly.

Estimate.

Following our initial discussion, I formulate an outline outlining the scope of work along with a corresponding estimate. Once approved, we secure dedicated time in the Studio Alida calendar for your project.

The Design Process.

Embark on the design journey, commencing with brand product strategy, research, and progressing through concepts, color, material direction, and development. Regular meetings are scheduled at each phase, providing opportunities for your input, ensuring alignment with your vision, and keeping us on the right track.

“Designing textile products has taken me all around the world — from color and trend forecasting in Europe, to developing complex garments alongside highly skilled pattern makers in Asia, and to sourcing fibre from sheep farms in rural New Zealand."

— Sophie Poelman, Functional Textile Designer, Snow Enthusiast, Avid Cyclist, Yin Yogi, Hiker, and Natural Fiber evangelist. Graduate of the Massey University School of Design, with a Bachelor's degree in Textile Design. Sophie resides on Waiheke Island with her husband and two children, passionately embracing composting and upcycling practices.

Hey! Let’s create something amazing together.

If you have an exciting project in mind and are eager to collaborate, we'd be thrilled to hear from you. Our journey typically kicks off with a casual coffee chat or a quick call. If you're ready to dive into discussions about your project, reach out via the email below. Share a bit about yourself and your company, and let's start turning your ideas into reality.