The showcase
Arabesque
Named after an aspect of Islamic art usually found decorating the walls of mosques, Arabesque is a label with a difference. Brought to New Zealand by Dubai-based ex-pat Kiwi Peter Loughlin and business partner Margot Peacock, the label is aimed at women and men aged 25 and over who like classic designs with a "punch of colour". Showing at ANZFW for the first time but actively targeting the Australian market, the label's autumn/winter 2007 collection features a range of Arabian-themed embroidered casualwear made from linen, silk chiffon, silk satin, velvet, silk brocade and hand-woven Moroccan strip fabrications. It was through its bridalwear the label first got off the ground and this season's offering is made from silk organza, chiffon, satin and stretch tulle in a range of colourways. Price points are in the mid-to-upper bracket with linen hand-embellished kaftan tops retailing for around $A250 and bridal couture priced at up to $A4000 per piece. Sizes range from eight to 24 for women and small to extra large for men.
Seriously Twisted
Dunedin-based Linzi Irving acknowledges she may have her work cut out for her in attempting to spruik her wares this side of the Tasman. While possums are a protected species here, in New Zealand they are considered a pest, responsible for destroying some 23,000 tonnes of native vegetation each day. Originally introduced to New Zealand as an imported species from Australia, Irving now argues her label presents a perfect opportunity for a form of poetic justice. "It's a damn good reason for Aussies to buy it back". Having latched onto a steady supply of furs via a trapper mate, Irving and her staff take the fur pelts then convert them into long, twisted strands. Once rested, the strands are then handspun, knitted, woven and knotted into unique forms. In some cases they are even combined with other natural fabrics such as merino and mohair to eventuate as scarves, pashminas, trimmings on coats, accessories and occasionally as a bedspread or tablecloth. Prices range from $A70 for a scarf of twisted fur to $A700 for an overcoat.
Tav
Ellena Tavioni always knew her unique island-inspired collections would go down a treat in the tro###
Sakaguchi
Takaaki Sakaguchi always knew how to stand out from the crowd. Armed with degrees in both Commerce and Fashion Design, he started his fashion career working for the giant Japanese fashion house Koshino where in later years he became chief designer, in part responsible for the label's bi-annual showings at the Paris fashion collections. His search for a base for his own business led him to Christchurch in 1996 where he began with an old borrowed sewing machine in the spare room of his apartment. Today, boasting 25 stockists throughout New Zealand and Australia - including a flagship store in Christchurch together with stockists in Adelaide, Albury, Canberra, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Hobart, Perth, Sydney and Yarragon - Sakaguchi sees Melbourne and Sydney as his key markets, accounting for 70 per cent of his overall business.
Consisting of three strands - urban, couture and soiree - aimed at the top end of the market, the collection is available in sizes eight to 26.
Su Real
Sydney was the first place to give former make-up artist Jennnifer Paul a real crack at a career in the fashion industry. For it was in the New South Wales capital 13 years ago where the Su Real founder started with a range of screen-printed tea towels and a nationwide order from department store David Jones. Her experience in the fashion industry and love of art gradually lead her to launch her own line of fashion accessories together with giftware and stationery. Targeted at "stores that like to stock quirky, hand-crafted things that appreciate items that have a lot of thought and wit put into them, Paul says she designs and creates as and when she finds something or someone to inspire her. Preferring to work with a variety of mediums, Paul's accessories are hand made by myself, except for a bit of finishing sewing by machinists and manufactured locally. "Periodically I create a few things and seek stockists, such as Tesutti (Herne Bay), The Cupboard (Parnell), The Cross (London) etc . . .I can see my range suiting the Melbourne and Sydney scene." Pieces included in the Su Real 2007 winter range include hand-knitted 'graduation collars', a wool/cashmere blend 'graduation bag' and a 'learning curve' necklace. Price points range from $A26 to $A266.