Her Story

Originally a graduate of Fashion Technology in 1984, Gracie Matthews spent a number of years freelancing in the entertainment industry before managing her own costume hire business in Sydney. For nearly 18 years Gracie continued working in theatre and film while the hire business received numerous business awards including ‘Business of the Year’ for 2005.

 In 2010 she and New Zealand partner, Nigel Wild sold up their busy Sydney lives and moved to the beautiful rural district of the Clevedon Valley. The decision to make country life a reality also led the way for the birth of Gracie Matthews Ltd.

 
Integrating a balanced lifestyle of work and play, Gracie continues to offer a variety of costume and sewing services including hire, manufacture, costume and sewing experience packages and Bed & Breakfast accommodation with complete Gluten Free gourmet menus.

This balance has also allowed Gracie to complete a Masters in Design at AUT and to continue sharing her personal costume and textile collection through symposiums, events and exhibitions.

In 2020 Gracie became the Ambassador for Singer New Zealand and travels around New Zealand sharing her love of the brand and sewing.