From those of us born in the 70’s through to those of us who are stuck in the 70’s – Emma Wallace’s summer collection is one that will appeal. Asti Spumante, Pimms and salted peanuts anyone?
Wellington designer Emma Wallace talks with Cyndi Greep about her gorgeous label, emma, and her new Summer 2011/12 collection, Vacationer.
Your summer 11/12 collection is called Vacationer. What garments from your collection are ideal for the busy holiday/travelling/working wardrobe?
The Connie contrast hem slip dress is a total easy care, easy-wear piece. Throw it in your overnight bag and pull it out to wear 1970’s-style; loose and comfy, belted at the waist or pretend it’s a skirt and wear it under the Cindy shawl collar striped blouse.
It comes in gorgeous colour combos; nude/grey, grey/midnight blue, and midnight blue/hot pink.
For a weekend away, less is more and no fuss is essential, so grab a Bethany boat-neck stripe knit top, jeans and a cardi (tres cute). Alternatively, team it with the Ali pretty pull-on ship-shape cotton print skirt and a rope belt. Ship ahoy!"
What is the range of fabrics that you have chosen?
I always love to use natural fabrics as much as possible and this season is no exception, with a gorgeous 100% silk ‘tiger eye’ print in the Dianne strappy sundress and 100% linen knit in Kara kimono-style cardigan. They have lovely qualities of drape, comfort and feel.
For when it gets a little cool in the evening there’s a super-sunny stripe merino wool knit Pamela hooded poncho.
The viscose /spandex knit I’ve used in my tops and dresses this season has a lot of the qualities of a natural fibre: breathability, comfort and great drape.
The Tencel used in my Frida cuffed shorts and Farrah flap pocket pants is super gentle against the skin, breathable and environmentally sustainable (made from farmed wood pulp).
How many garments in your new collection?
There are about 25 styles and we also add in-season styles in response to customer demand.
Did you have a ‘muse’ or image in mind for the summer collection?
I loved the whole 1970’s inspiration this season, with the spirit of fun, strong colours and flowing lines that speak 70’s clothing to me.
One idea I had in the back of my mind when designing and then styling the lookbook shoot was ‘what if Mary Tyler Moore took a break from the newsroom and went on a Love Boat cruise with her best friend Rhoda, and what would they wear? I think either of them would have totally rocked my Rhoda one-shoulder silk print jumpsuit!
How did you come to choose the printed fabrics – did they remind you of anything for you to choose them or did you get attached to the colourways/prints from first glance?
The ‘tiger-eye’ silk print just had such great strong colours and vibrancy to fit in with the 1970’s palette as did the merino wool stripe- purple, orange and pink (Carolyn Enting has called the trend ‘Porange’).
The ‘ship-shape’ cotton print just really made me think of the fishing boats in Island Bay, Wellington (where I live) and watching them bobbing away on summer evening beach walks, gentle and pretty.
The Sandie beach top print was created in collaboration with designer Karin Amdal. It captures quintessential elements of a kiwi summer holiday – bike rides, sun umbrellas, ice blocks and bubbles!
From those of us born in the 70’s through to those of us who are stuck in the 70’s – this summer collection is one that will appeal. Asti Spumante, Pimms and salted peanuts anyone?
emma contact details:
www.emmacollections.com
http://www.emmacollections.blogspot.com
boutique:
268 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
ph. 04 8024179
workroom/shop:
476 Adelaide Road, Berhampore, Wellington
ph. 04 3801647
Photographer Louise Hatton. Model Alex Pole at Kirsty Bunny Models.
By Cynthia Greep, 4 October 2011
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