Radical movement

Starfish’s Spring Summer 2010 collection Free Radicals is inspired by iconic NZ artist Len Lye whose kinetic art and love of lines comes through in Starfish’s pieces that move fluidly around the body, and pieces that have linear detailing…

Starfish’s Spring Summer 2010 collection Free Radicals is inspired by iconic NZ artist Len Lye whose kinetic art and love of lines comes through in Starfish’s pieces that move fluidly around the body, and pieces that have linear detailing in stitched accents.

Although the collection does include wide-legged trousers, thin stripy leggings, blazers and bolero jackets, the collection really belongs to its dresses. With names echoing movement such as wave, flurry, swirler and shimmer, the dresses are key.

Pictured left: the Springer Frock in 100% silk.

As always, all the design and manufacture of Starfish is made here in New Zealand – at considerably more cost than producing in China – due to the ethical and eco-sustainable ethos of the label and its founder, designer Laurie Foon. They source organic cotton, hemp silks and raw fabrics to dye to Oeko-Tex standards here in NZ.

The circular print this season (see Springer Frock, left) like the heart print of Winter 2010, is designed by Amy Van Luijk inspired by Len Lye’s animated film, Free Radicals. The print campaign featured strips of colour as the studio background.

Below: going to maxi lengths in the Wave Length Gown.

This is my personal pick of the dresses for evening: the sultry flounce-sleeved and ruffle-hipped Flurry Frock.

..and my favourite day dress, the Line Up Dress in burgundy stripe. At first you think it’s an even stripe, but on closer inspection it’s a custom made stripe of differing widths which Starfish had designed.

The Fidget Frock in a linen/viscose and spandex mix for stretch and movement.

This SS10 season Starfish launches its new concept ‘Many Moves’ garments, which can be worn in a variety of ways. Perfect for those who enjoyed Transforners toys, or reading Choose Your Own Adventure books.

The Swirler is a four-in-one 3/4 length sleeve short dress that can be work as a one-shoulder, a sleeveless, or a strapless dress. All for $279 – now that’s value!

Similarly, the Flip & Twist can be worn as a skirt, or as a sleeveless top (pictured below, with a Line Up Skirt), or even turned inside out as a top with a peplum waist. Versatility!

So many moves. Len Lye would be proud.

By Megan Robinson, 2 July 2010.