With its Russian influence inspired by Dr Zhivago, the new Claire Barker winter collection ‘A Song For Lara’ has sexy silk blouses teamed with military buttoned-up coats to keep out winter chill in a very chic way…
With its Russian influence inspired by Dr Zhivago, the new Claire Barker winter collection ‘A Song For Lara’ has sexy silk blouses teamed with military buttoned-up coats to keep out winter chill in a very chic way.
We love how a Claire Barker piece will actually look better on you than it does on the hanger, as opposed to so many we try on that look good until you put them on and find they don’t sit right, aren’t well cut, or the fabric feels itchy. I couldn’t decide between three dresses; they were cut so flatteringly. I think Claire Barker would do well on the Internet as no-one would return the clothes after trying them on.
Claire’s new range for Winter 2010 is a collection rich in beautiful warm coats, such as the Felix Coat and Velvetine jeans pictured left.
The collection references the scene in Dr Zhivago where, on Tanya’s return to Moscow from the City of Lights, her luminous light coral coat and hat transform the endlessly grey Moscow streetscape.
Below: Langtrey Coat and Jaguar Dress, and right, The Chevalier Coat.
And if you want to step away from the neutrals of black and camel, why not try the fabulous rich purple jewel tones of Lara’s Coat.
The pro-glamour designer Claire Barker says, “I wanted to create a range with that same hauntingly wonderful impact, so that a woman wearing my designs for this season will feel she is transforming the winter streets.”
Chinese-born and with a Kiwi husband, Barker sells both here in NZ and in China too. Her work merges a very European chicness with Oriental style and femininity. Hints of Russian styling show up in braided borders on epaulettes, zip detail on belts and sleeve heads, and especially designed woven wool tassels.
“I want women to feel beautiful and sexy when they wear a Claire Barker design. I want my customers to celebrate their individuality and beauty without ever feeling overstated or uncomfortable. I never indulge myself to design for design’s sake. I would never create something that I wouldn’t feel beautiful wearing myself.”
Fabrics are all high quality with pure silks, cashmere and angora, and priced competitively around $250 – $350 for most items compared to $700 in many of the NZ designer shops. “One of my most important concerns is that women be offered a real choice between the chain store lines and the expensive high fashion designer labels,” she says.
Below: perfect for warmer winter days and ideal for layering up with tights and cardigans, the Novgant Blouse and Astro Shorts.
By Megan Robinson, 26 March 2010.
Claire Barker boutique
3a O’Connell St, Auckland City.
Ph 09 309 – 3331
www.clairebarker.co.nz
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