TwoWorlds unite

Wellington based label TwoWorlds has recently arrived on the fashion scene with not only a vibrant and unique collection, but also a strong objective to connect two cultures…

Wellington based label TwoWorlds has recently arrived on the fashion scene with not only a vibrant and unique collection, but also a strong objective to connect two cultures.

They wish to unite the beautiful textile cultures of one world with people in another world who are unhappy with what they term ‘disengaged fashion consumption’.

Thus, textiles made in Bali are brought into our world – and will be shows at Wellington Fashion Week this year in April 2013.

Their first two collections explore the beautiful culture of Bali, with garments made of a handwoven fabric of mostly ikat (a special dyeing technique in Bali) and a blend of silk and cottons.

TwoWorlds consists of garments rich in reference to traditional Balinese patterns such as the doorway carvings seen on the ‘Pelangi skirt’.

Colour plays heavily into the aesthetic of the label. Earthy tones are accented with bold colours, echoing the waves of brightly-dressed locals on their ceremonial trips to temple through the Balinese greenery.

The union between the Balinese and New Zealand cultures is formed in the final processes, where the hand-sourced Balinese fabrics are pattern-made and sewn into these feminine and well-tailored garments.

TwoWorlds embraces the the persistence and diligence in traditional craftsmanship practiced by the people of Bali. Exemplifying this well rewarded fastidiousness is the amazing ikat fabric – each metre of fabric takes around a day to make.

The collection tells the narrative of the hard and tedious work that goes into intricating every little detail of the product. The emphasis on the production process does not stop at the quality of the garments, but also with the ethically-conscious label seeing firsthand that working conditions are fair, and that they paid a fair price for it.

TwoWorlds will show their latest collection at Wellington Fashion Week 2013. The label is stocked at Design Cartel and on their online store www.twoworlds.co.nz

By Reema Alfouir
5 February 2013
Photos by Beka Gowan