After 25 years at the forefront of New Zealand’s fashion scene, Nelson designer Robyn Reynolds is embracing an unexpected new chapter. Now in her late sixties, the streetwear pioneer has discovered a powerful creative voice in art – a soulful pursuit that’s helped her find herself, redefine success, and begin life’s next stage with renewed passion.
Words: Alistair Hughes | Photos: Tessa Claus
Robyn Reynolds has been a well-known figure in the local (and nationwide) fashion scene for a quarter of a century, since first setting up her Nelson Market streetwear stall at the turn of the millennium. This led to her establishing the labels Go Clothing and then her renowned eponymous brand, in various central city studios. Now in her late sixties, rather than slowing down, Robyn has instead become galvanised with a creative passion she never even knew she had – and has become a successful emerging artist.
“I'm pretty much self-taught,” she confides. “My art is purely from my soul; it's been really healing for me. And it’s really brought me to the forefront of who I am.”
Becoming happily married a couple of years ago, finding new creative fulfilment and finally discovering herself well into her sixth decade, Robyn could almost be said to be ‘living her life in reverse.’
“I am actually,” she laughs, “I’m kind of doing it backwards – but isn't that cool?”
Her journey has been one of apparent ‘late starts’, Robyn admitting that she felt lost for many years after growing up in Hamilton in the 1960s. “I didn't really know who I was and I was fumbling, walking in the dark for a long time.” Her first marriage, at a young age, didn’t last, and at age 30 she became a single parent.
“My daughter is now about to become a mum herself,” smiles Robyn, adding imminent grandparent to her growing list of ‘late in life’ achievements.
“As a solo mum, I always instilled that you can reach for the stars. The world is your oyster if you really believe in yourself. Because I didn't, but I knew that education was really important.”
It was this conviction which brought Robyn to Nelson in 1997, to enrol in the NMIT fashion and textiles course.
But her fascination with fashion stretched back much further, to her ‘OE’ in 1980. “I saw the Camden Street markets, and clothes made out of curtains and off-cuts and the way people put them together. I think that's where my ‘spark’ was ignited.”
Returning to Hamilton she opened her first shop, with her sister, creating clothing in a retro style which still appeals to her.
“I made ‘stove pipes’ for the punks. I was kind of in that scene, but I was a very nice punk, not hard core.”
Moving to Wellington, she went from selling hats made from leather scraps on an old singer sewing machine in Manners Mall, to partnering with a screen printer and creating the label Fin Clothing.
“That's still going, although it's different now. But that's when I realised, at 35 – I might be quite good at this fashion thing!”
After graduating from NMIT, Robyn quickly pursued her goal of opening another business. “So, I had a clear vision when I started, and I’m the only one who's really kept going from that fashion course.”
Concentrating on streetwear, she made clothing from candlewick bedspreads, dying them in a wringer washing machine. The subsequent 15 years at the Nelson market brought Robyn acclaim through her Go Clothing label, building her profile and local status.
Her business grew quickly with her own shop and warehouse and managing a growing number of staff. But Robyn eventually found that recognition and success can have its drawbacks. “That was really full on, and I did it for ages. And when I turned 60, a close friend told me I should stop, because I was really only working to pay bills, which was true.”
And so a linchpin of Nelson’s fashion scene for almost two decades walked away from it all – at least for as long as her holiday lasted. On her return to Nelson she promptly opened another shop, but was adamant things were going to be different this time.
“I think that Go Clothing was run on emotions – my heart, not my head. I learned a big lesson, but I’m more clued up now.”
She has certainly enjoyed the experience of running Robyn Reynolds Clothing, but change is in the air once again.
“Retail is really tough, and it has changed since I started all those years ago. I'd like to teach children sewing and to be able to encourage their creative free spirits. My heart is now leaning towards just wanting to do art, so I know my time in fashion is coming to an end.”
Literally a new canvas awaits as Robyn prepares to step away from the industry that she’s given so much to. But the time is clearly right as her excitement for art is palpable.
And she’s not alone – last year Make/Shift spaces adorned the ArtHouse building door at 3 Haven Road with a reproduction of Robyn’s painting 'Jack the lad dreamt of being a gangster…’ The owner of the nearby Red Art Gallery saw it and quickly gave her an opportunity to exhibit.
How does she describe her own style?
“It's just pieces of me,” says Robyn. “I love texture, I love colour. And when I finish a piece – if it gives me a chill when I look at it – then I know I've ‘got it’. And if someone else likes it, and they buy it, that's a real bonus. But I still cry when people buy my work.”
It’s hardly surprising that after such a long and eventful life, there are plenty of ‘pieces’ to adorn a canvas with. ‘Living your life in reverse’ has the advantage of combining new-found creative energy with rich experience.
“I didn't know who I was, really, you know. So art has been such a gift for me. I’m really blessed that I've found this, and I want it to become the next stage of my life, at home with my chickens. And I'm going to be a nana now too!”
Robyn is grateful to her wife and daughter for their love, patience and support, “over the many years I have been in this crazy world of fashion.”
