Mary-Ellen Prendergast of Shen

A graduate of Wellington Polytech’s fashion school, Mary-Ellen Prendergast of Shen entered the industry as Patrick Steele’s fashion assistant…

Much can be said for a name. In the case of Auckland-based designer Mary-Ellen Prendergast, the name she’s given her own label says so much about her inspirations and intentions.

A graduate of Wellington Polytech’s fashion school, Mary-Ellen entered the industry as Patrick Steele’s fashion assistant, then spent two years in London working for t-shirt and leathers fashion house Savage London and Top Shop stockist Poetic Gem. Upon returning to Auckland she spent almost a decade at High Society, as a designer for the label Obi.

Having spent years honing her design and business skills in both the local and international fashion industry, Mary-Ellen felt the time was right to establish her own label. This was not a decision taken lightly or hurriedly and Mary-Ellen spent a year preparing her debut collection, refining her vision, business model and skills to launch a 40-piece range of garments that are neither trend-driven nor disposable.

Below: Summer 2013/14 by Shen.

Now into its fourth season, Shen has quickly become a go-to name for high-quality, classically beautiful womenswear. Designer Mary Ellen Prendergast continues to take the label from strength to strength—picking up stockists both locally and internationally.

Below: Summer 2013/14 by Shen.

Q & A with Mary Ellen – Designer & Director, Shen

Define ‘Shen’

In ancient Egyptian, Shen means encircle and in hieroglyphics a shen ring represented eternal protection. In modern Chinese Mandarin, its meanings include awareness and consciousness. For me it means all these things, and more. The label was born partly out of my surviving hereditary breast cancer, I wanted a name that represents my life where I’ve been and where I’m going.

How did you get into designing womenswear?
I wanted to be a designer from the age of 14. My aunties influenced me a lot as they were into fashion. I decided on my own label doing womenswear as that is what my experience in the industry was.

Inspiration?
I’m inspired hugely by my travels to Japan, L.A and Europe I think that’s why my ranges can be quite diverse. Artists and iconic celebrities of the past also inspire me.

Do you have a ‘muse’ in mind while designing?
Not every season but this season I did it was Bianca Jagger; I’m a fan of the Rolling Stones and that whole Andy Warhol era. I love the Bianca she wore a lot of white power suits and sexy dresses, I love her androgynous look.
I tend to be inspired by women who are tall, strong and edgy; I have a tendency with my cuts too design for tall girls sorry all petite girls out there!

Bianca Jagger | Photo Getty Images

Preferred colour palette?
It changes with the season but I do love muted neutral tones, it follows through to the interior of my house and I also tend to wear all soft neutrals myself.

Your most fashion forward design for SS 13/14?
The kimono maxi-dress its super sexy!

SS 13/14 – Navy Kimono Maxi

Who is the ultimate Shen woman?
She’s confident, complex and modern she likes clean lines and timeless designs.

If you could collaborate with any designer/artist, which one would it be?
That’s hard one I’d love to design with another designer I tend to really like Australia designers, I love their modern cuts; there are so many but to name a few Anna & Boy, Scanlan and Theodore. But if I really dreamt big I would love to collaborate with the Celine design team, it’s my favourite international label at the moment.

www.shen.co.nz
www.facebook.com/Shenltd

By Zeenat Hatim
27 August 2013