SS18/19 - Italian Holiday
Inspiration for this collection came from my dream summer holiday on the islands of Capri and Procida. I followed in the footsteps of Axel Munthe; and the writers Norman Douglas, Graham Greene and the fabulous Shirley Hazzard, and the glitterati: the film star set and the wealthy aristocracy of Europe, who joined the literati here in the 1950s.
They created the cafe society lifestyle that became known as; La Dolce Vita', the title of the famous film from 1960.
Audrey Hepburn had already appeared in 'Roman Holiday' in 1953.
There was a real microcosm of style that developed in Capri, Positano and Rome that I find fascinating. This was the time when we had ice-cream and the Italians had gelato, we had the Minor and they had the Bambina. Theirs seemed so much more glamorous...
This collection features short swingy 60s jackets, and lots of dresses, both sporty and glamorous, all to be worn with the ease of a tee-shirt.
Ethereal, floaty, romantic tea dresses are in printed silk georgettes. Tops, pants and dresses in fabulous Italian silk prints: an antique Italian map, florals, geometrics, graffiti, watercolour paintings and abstracts. Exquisite Italian lace is in dresses for special occasions.
Truly a celebration of an Italian creativity that started back in the Dolce Vita era.
As much as possible, I like to use natural fibres. Soft tumble-washed linen is in dresses, jackets and loose pants. Sheer georgette dresses can be underpinned by our plain go-to slip in slinky Italian knit. Every item is great for travel and easy to look after. Some pieces are specifically created as part of our special capsule travel wardrobe.
Many dresses have sleeves and there are plenty of ‘throw-on’ jacket options.
Colours are always flattering. Brights of fregola (strawberry), turquoise, lagoon green and chartreuse with navy. Neutrals are stone, charcoal, denim blue and quartz, plus fresh white and black in prints as well as plains.
I am proud to say that these high quality fabrics are made into garments here in New Zealand, and I am surrounded by a fabulous team who help make this all possible.
