Designer Profile: Celine Rita

In this Designer Profile we step into the small-but-perfectly-formed boutique of young New Zealand fashion designer, Celine Chapman and her label Celine Rita…

In this Designer Profile we step into the small-but-perfectly-formed boutique of young New Zealand fashion designer, Celine Chapman and her label Celine Rita.

Her boutique at 136B Newton Road Auckland (entry on St Benedict’s Street) doubles as a workroom, with her patterns hanging up – giving the space an air of authenticity and craftsmanship that many stores lack.

This current AW13 collection is entitled ‘Comme Ci Comme Ca’ as a result of the inspiration of France from Celine’s trip to Europe over summer. "The whole experience was like a dream!" she says.

She took inspiration from the European architecture – colours, windows and lamps – for this collection of feminine yet cool dresses, coats and separates. Thread expecially likes the leopard-print jumpsuit, and the bell-sleeved cocktail length dresses.

Photos: Celine Chapman in her boutique, with her friendly Shih Tzu toy poodle cross, Flo. Visit her instore at 136B Newton Road phone 09 336 1191 or online at www.celinerita.com

Megan Robinson, 14 June 2013