Claire Bloom: Designer Profile

In 2005, with no formal training but after more than 30 years honing design skills creating garments for herself, Queenstown designer Claire Brinsley decided the time was right to launch claire bloom, using a nickname coined by her father…

Designer Claire Brinsley’s label claire bloom is loved by women who enjoy the feminine-yet-edgy look, and the individual fabrics, cut in styles are very flattering to most women’s shapes.

"Clients appreciate the fact that pieces will sit well in most wardrobes for years to come, and will still look good when they pull them out for that special occasion" says stockist Stashh in Invercargill. "We enjoy the colour and fun that it brings into the shop."

Designer and label owner Claire Brinsley grew up in Wales where her talented seamstress mother first taught her to sew at just 12. Twenty years ago, on a backpacking trip to New Zealand, she fell in love with the country and now-husband Andy and made Queenstown her home.

In 2005, with no formal training but after more than 30 years honing design skills creating garments for herself, she decided the time was right to launch claire bloom, using a nickname coined by her father.

As stockists have proliferated around the country and her fan base has grown accordingly, she has enjoyed sharing her unique style with many fabulous women. "Claire continues to create timeless, often glamorous designs that are just a little bit quirky…she appeals to women of many ages, with an eye for the finer things in life!" says Maree, of Decode.

Marcello Dress

Designing “from the heart” and following her instincts to create beautiful feminine garments which will bring the women who wear them much joy, she takes inspiration from a variety of sources including cultures, countries, books, films, the Central Otago environment and life experiences. Claire works from the tranquillity of her rural workroom in the countryside based just 15 minutes’ drive from Queenstown.

"Women enjoy Claire Bloom because of her feminine shapes, easy styles and individual fabric. Pretty colours seem to sell themselves. The clothes take our clients from work to play" says Groundfloor Eclectic Design, Timaru.

Papillon in Havelock North says their clients love claire bloom, in particular the late 30’s and 40’s age group are attracted to the brand for its "Audrey Hepburn, Jacqui O feel" and they enjoy that it doesn’t have fabrics seen in other ranges. The designs themselves are trans-seasonal, and classic but still hip. The skirt is a great block, flattering on many figures. The garments have good fits, and are reasonably priced. "I love the fact it’s different to what everyone else is doing" says Papillon.

Paola Dress

The claire bloom Wish List:

I wish for claire bloom garments to make you feel beautiful, not ordinary

I wish for friends and even strangers to tell you “you look stunning”

I wish for your claire bloom garments to last beyond their time and be worn for many years

I wish for claire bloom to be a fashion leader and not to follow trends all of the time

I wish for your claire bloom to feel absolute and exclusive, due to the small numbers that I make

Find out more at her website

www.clairebloom.co.nz

Stockists:

Harry’s Boutique
31 Dundas Street, Seatoun, Wellington
TEL: 04 388 1020
EMAIL: harrysfashion@gmail.com

Willow
Shop 2/289 Fenton Street Rotorua
TEL: 07 348 1803
EMAIL: willowboutique@xtra.co.nz

Papillon
Shop 5/11 Joll Road, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay
TEL: 06 877 0355
EMAIL: papillonclothing@xtra.co.nz

Beaufoy
60 Gladstone Road,Gisborne
TEL: 06 867 7339
EMAIL: bossa@xtra.co.nz

The Mews
61 Molesworth Street, Wellington
TEL: 04 473 5870
EMAIL: mintyandsarah@themews.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND

Decode
Camp Street, Queenstown
TEL: 03 441 3094
EMAIL: decode@xtra.co.nz 47

Frocks
47 Helwick Street, Wanaka
TEL: 03 443 4047
EMAIL: bridget@47frocks.co.nz

Stashh
Shop 2, 38 Windsor Street, Invercargill
TEL: 03 217 8274
EMAIL: designs@stashh.co.nz

Hype
Golden Centre Mall, George Street, Dunedin
TEL: 03 479 2277
EMAIL: hypedunedin@xtra.co.nz

Groundfloor Eclectic Design
298 Stafford Street, Timaru
TEL: 03 688 1383
EMAIL: ground.floor@clear.net.nz

Rouche
6B,189 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch
TEL: 03 355 9229
EMAIL: roucheboutique@xtra.co.nz

Outline for Fashion
34 Talbot Street, Geraldine
TEL: 03 693 8232

Impress
202 Great North Road
Winton 9720
TEL: 03 236 1206
EMAIL: impresss@xtra.co.nz

7 August 2012