Winter fashion tips to stay warm and on-trend

Ooh Lala! Celine Martine shares her story

Ooh Lala! Local headwear designer makes a splash internationally 

Imagine creating a home-based business that allows you to express your creativity every day, while also spending time with family, enjoying the great outdoors, and helping women all over the world feel good. 

French-born Frankston South mum of two, Marion Lecesne, has done all of this and more, cementing a place for herself as the owner of one of the country’s leading headwear brands – and all of this from her home studio in Frankston South. 

Her business - Celine Martine (named after her two French grandmothers) - sells beautiful, bold, and unique headbands, wraps and turbans to women worldwide – all designed and made locally. She even sources some of her fabrics locally from Frankston's City op shops, as well as well as from Australian companies and local designers where possible. 

She says Frankston City is “the best kept secret” and couldn’t think of better place to raise her family with partner, Chris, and run her business.

“We moved here in 2018 after my parents suggested we take a look in the area,” she said.

“I have everything I need on my doorstep – I can run into the commercial areas for bits and bobs I need while making my headbands, I can jump on a train to go the city if I need to, and we have the beaches, hills and reserves like Sweetwater Creek and so much more just minutes away.

“I feel like I can dip into different worlds as I need to. I’m not sure where else I could do all of this. 

“The city has this vibrancy and energy and a growing creative scene that allows me the room to grow and really be myself.”

And Marion’s creativity is definitely shining through in her eye-catching designs that are supporting women worldwide to feel beautiful, bold, and empowered – one of the key drivers behind her business. 

“I have a background in marketing and worked for Nike in Europe and then for not-for-profits when I moved to Australia,” she said.

“But after having children I didn't want to be just getting on the train and going to work and back every day in time to pick up my kids from daycare. I wanted a better lifestyle and more space in my life to be with my family and to create.

“Then I struggled with post-partum hair loss after my second daughter was born and started creating headwear for myself and that’s how Celine Martine was born. 

“I create products for all women, and one of my ranges is for women who have suffered hair loss due to cancer treatment. Reading their messages about how they feel wearing my head wraps and turbans is so special.”

Marion is one of 5,256 individual or sole traders (many of which are home based) in Frankston City, and they play a significant role into the local economy. As a fashion business, Marion also joins the growing ranks of fashion designers, retailers, and manufacturers here – 131 are currently based in Frankston City.

Marion says businesses like hers are flourishing in Frankston City for so many reasons, including the support from Council.

“It really helps to have a Council that supports and encourages local businesses,” she said.

“When I moved here, I joined a mentoring program run by Council and it was just fantastic. 

“I’m also involved with the Business Collective. The local small business community here is great, it’s not something you find everywhere.”

And we couldn’t end a fashion- related story without some hot tips from Marion for winter. As we wrap up Australian Fashion Week, her top three trends are:

1. Over-sized plaid blazers (Marion thinks this trend will be around for a little while so it will make a great investment) Check out local retailers and op shops!

2. Wide belts (about 10 cm wide should do the trick to add something little extra to your outfit.

3. Woolly socks and Birkenstocks (this one took us by surprise, but Marion says it’s a fantastic way to let your personality shine through with your sock choice - and feel comfortable and warm this winter).

And of course, for the days when you want to look stylish and feel good, but don’t have the time or energy to style you hair (or just want to stand out from the crowd) try one of her uniquely-Frankston head bands, wraps and turbans: Céline Martine - Designer Headbands – Celine Martine

Find out more about the many services Frankston Council offers to new businesses, established businesses, home-based businesses looking to grow or for a bricks and mortar shop location here.