On a sunny Saturday morning at Paris Fashion Week, New Zealand-born designers Paris Mitchell Temple and Georgia Cherrie presented their latest collections to a room full of buyers. Over the course of the week, the duo had 50 meetings with representatives from prestigious retailers such as Printemps, Selfridges, and Mytheresa.
Having founded their brand Paris Georgia nearly nine years ago, Temple and Cherrie have seen their business grow each year. This season, however, they noticed a shift in the fashion industry. Many American buyers chose not to travel to Europe, and Net-a-Porter, a key partner, had no representation at the event. Despite these changes, Paris Georgia’s outlook remains bright.
One of the standout pieces on display was the “Ida” dress from their Elemental collection. Cherrie pointed out the dress, which Margot Robbie famously wore after announcing her pregnancy. With its luxurious draping, asymmetrical shoulder design, and cropped mid-calf cut, the dress embodies the Paris Georgia aesthetic: chic, yet bold.
The pair’s journey has led them to launch a Paris Georgia studio in London, where they now reside. The brand, known for its minimalistic yet edgy style, is also eyeing future retail expansion. Stockists now include Moda Operandi and Harvey Nichols, and the brand counts celebrities like Hailey Bieber and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern among its fans.
Mitchell Temple and Cherrie met as teenagers in New Zealand when their mothers, both solo parents, encouraged them to become friends. They bonded over their shared height and love for fashion. Cherrie’s mother ran a vintage store, and she often helped her dress mannequins and sketch shoes. Their early experiences in fashion eventually led them to pursue their dream of starting a business together.
With only $2,000 in startup capital, they launched a vintage reseller called The Mercantile. Alongside, they created a six-piece capsule collection called Paris Georgia Basics, which quickly gained popularity. As demand for their designs grew, they pivoted from vintage items to focus exclusively on their Paris Georgia label.
Known for using dead-stock fabrics, Paris Georgia’s collections feature versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, along with statement party dresses. Cherrie says they aim to provide a “simple, pared-back wardrobe,” with enough novelty to keep things fresh. “Our girl is ready for a party, and she wants a fabulous dress,” she adds.
The brand’s rise to fame can be traced to early support from American designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh, who invited them to show their collections in Paris. International attention followed when Hailey Bieber wore one of their slip dresses on the cover of *Inprint* magazine in 2017. Two years later, Kendall Jenner was spotted in their Heart singlet and Bootleg trousers in New York. Since then, Paris Georgia has gained celebrity fans including Kerry Washington and Jacinda Ardern.
Despite their success, Temple admits that the fashion industry is a constant financial challenge. “In fashion, cash can be a nightmare,” she says, citing the razor-thin margins many brands operate under. An early investment from New Zealand’s Maker Partners allowed the pair to focus on refining their strengths, including opening their London studio and expanding into footwear, which is now produced in Italy.
Though they aren’t focusing on retail for now, Temple and Cherrie are eyeing the future. “Maybe later,” says Temple. “We love our wholesale partners.”
Paris Georgia’s biggest market is currently Australia, followed by New Zealand, with the US holding the largest share of their wholesale accounts. Now based in the UK, they are eager to tap into this market further.
The designers draw inspiration from their travels, particularly in Paris, where they enjoy attending fashion shows and visiting galleries. They cite designers like Christopher Esber and Hermès as major influences. Temple and Cherrie are also eyeing the possibility of their own runway show at London Fashion Week in the future, though not just yet.
“One day, yes,” Temple says, “but not next year.”
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