"This summer collection, she sells. seashells, is definitely my favourite so far – I feel like it really nails my playful aesthetic which I think Marilyn’s character Sugar epitomizes" says Katie-maree, designer of label Katie-maree Cole…
"This summer collection, she sells. seashells, is definitely my favourite so far – I feel like it really nails my playful aesthetic which I think Marilyn’s character Sugar epitomizes" says Katie-maree, designer of label Katie-maree Cole.
Katie-maree came over for a cuppa to make soy candles last week. We had tea and her gorgeous hand-made apricot biscotti – she should be a baker if not a fashion designer- and discussed her latest collection, she sells. seashells.
What strikes me about Katie is for a young designer only in her 2nd year, she has a strong sense of self, and a keen awareness of who her label is for.
Below: The sailboat print this season is one of my favourites, says Katie-maree.
Her Summer 2011/12 line is influenced by the Marilyn Monroe and her character Sugar in the 1964 film ‘Some like it Hot’. The ukulele-playing small town sexy siren longs to run away with a ‘millionaire with a yacht’ – but she keeps falling for the cheating saxophone players. The collection is flirtatious, full of ruffles and sailboat imagery with a sexy edge encapsulating summer fun and romantic nights.
Katie-maree Cole has had great success after the launch of her first directional range for Summer 2011 alongside the launch of her website and www.katiemareecole.com featuring in Frankie, Viva and Good Mag as well as blogs in New Zealand, Australia, New York, Paris and throughout Asia. The label continues to grow a wide audience of women who love the fun of day-to-day dressing.
Katie says her personal favourite look of the collection is this one; the Sugar Tee and Double Pretty Skirt.
"The collection is being stocked in MADE in Auckland’s Britomart which I am so happy about, the store is filled with amazing labels which I am very privileged to be alongside"
The label has just been shown at NZ Fashion Week in the New Generation show with many media selecting the label as a standout collection and one to watch. "Being a part of fashion week was amazing. Now I am addicted and I am starting to think about how I can put on a solo show on next year!"
"I love designing summer. I think I am more of a summer girl. I think people naturally want to dress a bit more femininely and cute in summer, which suits me down to the ground."
If you would like more information on Katie-maree Cole the label has a blog that follows the adventures and inspirations of the New Zealand based designer, this can be accessed off the main website www.katiemareecole.com as well as via Facebook and Twitter.
Model: Kitty Riddell – Red 11
Photography: Heather Liddell
Makeup: Olga Gill
Below: Katie making soy candles at Megan’s. (Photo by Megan)
By Megan Robinson, 19 October 2011.
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