Meet Penni Lamprey from Miss G & Me
At Oya, we believe in empowering women who inspire, uplift, and make a difference in the world of fashion, business, and beyond. In our Oya Icons series, we’ll introduce you to the trailblazers and creators who are shaping the future of style and inclusivity. From visionary designers to fearless entrepreneurs, these women are changing the game, and we’re excited to share their stories with you.
What inspired you to establish Miss G & Me, focusing on clothing for taller women?
Miss G & Me started out of sheer necessity. I’m 6’1”, and I have always struggled to find clothing that fits well and contributes to me feeling good. Tall women often compromise - rolling up sleeves, dealing with too-short hemlines, or settling for oversized clothes that don’t flatter. I wanted to change that. Miss G & Me isn’t just about adding extra length; it’s about designing clothes that fit taller proportions properly while maintaining quality, style, and comfort.
How does your personal experience as a tall woman influence your designs and the brand's direction?
Every piece I design comes from lived experience. I know what it’s like to have waistbands sit in the wrong place, or to have trousers that are “technically long enough” but don’t drape well on a taller frame. I consider things like pocket placement, where hemlines hit, and how garments move on a longer body. Before production, our samples are worn and tested by tall women across Australia, ensuring a genuine tall fit.
Can you share the challenges and rewards of producing Australian-made clothing for tall women?
The biggest challenge is cost. Manufacturing in Australia is significantly more expensive than offshore production, but it allows us to maintain quality, support ethical production, and work closely with local makers, this a positive allowing quicker production turnaround, which when in a growth/test phase is imperative. Another challenge is fabric - since we focus on limited deadstock fabrics, we can’t just reorder if something sells out. But the reward is knowing our customers are getting something truly special. The best part? Hearing from tall women who say, “For the first time, I put something on, and it just fit.” That’s why we do this.
What advice would you give to tall women struggling to find clothing that fits?
First, stop settling. If something doesn’t fit properly, it’s not your body that’s the problem - it’s the garment. Second, invest in pieces designed for tall proportions rather than trying to make standard sizing work. And finally, speak up! Brands (like ours!) that cater to tall women thrive on feedback and need your support to be here in the long term, so let us know what you need.
What's your favourite item from Miss G & Me?
Right now, I’m obsessed with our Kim Wide Leg Pants. They have a 38-inch leg length, a structured-yet-comfortable fit, and that perfect balance of polished and effortless wearing. Plus, they’re made from Bedford cord, which has this amazing velvety texture but wears like denim (sourced from a NZ fabric merchant, too!). They’re a staple in my wardrobe!