We chat to artist/designer Belinda Hunt about her beautifully-tailored jackets from her New Plymouth-based label, Lushington, that have illustrations sewn on the back of each jacket…
We chat to artist/designer Belinda Hunt about her beautifully-tailored jackets from her New Plymouth-based label, Lushington, that have illustrations sewn on the back of each jacket.
The creative and talented designer studied Fine Art and Fashion Design courses at WITT in New Plymouth, where she was drawn towards life drawing and free machine embroidery and combined this with the structure of tailoring, bringing the two disciplines together in her jacket designs. Belinda has worked with an established New Zealand fashion designer and had two wins in the Westfield Style Pasifika Fashion Awards and now runs Lushington – as well as being a busy wife and mother.
She named her label after her maiden name, which dates back to the 1700’s, including clergy, barons and parliamentarians. They spread across the globe, many settling in America, and now in New Plymouth. She takes inspiration from the Lushington family coat of arms’ elegance and brings some of that sophistication and refinement through to the Lushington Jackets themselves. "I incorporate these characteristics – along with my own flair and creativity – to define the Lushington style" Belinda says.
Below: Designer Belinda Hunt of Lushington.
Lushington Jackets is probably the closest you’ll get to owning a bespoke jacket – they are all sewn from limited runs of fabric and have contrast linings and no two jackets are exactly the same. They are handmade in her studio in New Plymouth in Taranaki, New Zealand and each one is a uniquely crafted garment. Lushington Jackets continue the tradition of a beautifully tailored jacket shaped to fit the contours of women and then styled with beautiful linings, the feature ‘Lushington Ring’ and individual contour drawings, sewn on the back of the jacket. This detailing is so unique, you are bound to get comments on it every time you wear it! As well as everyday wear, they are ideal for evening, special events, and perfect for weddings. In fact, jackets for brides, mother of the bride, and bridal party guests are a speciality. But you don’t need a special occasion to wear your jacket – they make you feel special, everytime you put it on.
Each Lushington Jacket is named with a traditional British men’s name to give it a personality of its own. "Chivalry may be dead but you can have a night out with Reginald or Jameson, Gerald or Rupert!" Belinda says.
Below: Rupert Jacket by Lushington.
If you want something a little bit different and don’t want the mass-produced fast-fashion seen everywhere, choose a gorgeous statement jacket from Lushington.
Below: Albert Blazer by Lushington.
Below: Frederick Jacket by Lushington.
For more info and to shop, see www.lushington.co.nz
26 July 2013
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