Necklace of Raindrops
Laurie Foon Summer 2008/09
The LAURIE FOON summer collection 2008-09, draws inspiration from the enchanting fairytale ‘A Necklace of Raindrops’ by Joan Aiken. The story of a girl, who’s Godfather- the East Wind, gave her a raindrop necklace. Each year on her birthday she received another raindrop with their special gift.
A pretty palette of mauve, silver grey, almond beige and antique gold are highlighted with intense purples and deep navies.
The sculptural silhouette is created by the classic tulip cocktail frock and lantern shaped skirts and jackets. Oversized dramatic shoulder lines taper to the hip reminiscent of the early 90’s styling and soft loose slips complement the more structured styles.
Fine pin tucking and ruching details are trimmed in herringbone tapes and Swarovski crystal buttons. French Made lace edged buttons add elements of charm to the natural linens.
Fabrics of luxurious silk, weightless organza’s and fine suiting are grounded with natural linens and structured cottons.
Key pieces in the collection are the full length Godfather Gown with its paneled deco shape and subtle Swarovski belt in a soft romantic silk and The Clever Clogs Coat, inspired by the 1940’s layering coat in rich linen and silk blend and gathered panels.
The Garden of Perfect Happiness
Starfish Summer Collection 2008-09
Starfish’s summer collection 2008-09 is inspired by the story of my great grandfather – a blend of Asian culture and New Zealand gardens.
William Yan-Foon came to New Zealand from China as a young man and worked all his life in market gardens. He was an orphan and rare for his time – he married an English woman. I often wonder what it would have been like for him in a new country with a culture so different from his own, unable to speak the language.
My great auntie tells of seeing my great grandfather as she used to wheel her pram, always in his vegetable garden in Petone. I guess that the garden for him would have been his Garden of Perfect Happiness.
Our summer collection embraces that image with hints of bright Asian-inspired colour springing from the ‘don’t mind me’ shades of grey and blue. Prints have a fine watercolour appearance and feature classic garden flowers.
This season’s fabrics include timeless rich silks in vibrant shades which can be teamed with our range of hard-wearing cottons and linens. Richly coloured hemp adds an exciting addition to our family of natural fabrics.
Our silhouette is underpinned with a classically elegant 1950’s feel with shaping reverting to a more fitted look with belts gathering soft volume at the waist. Skirts have soft bell and leaner tulip shapes, while our classic shirt features wrap ties for shaping around the waist.
Our selection of dresses offers delightful fabrics and prints for all occasions with the straighter silhouettes featuring belts that can be tied underneath the bust, or on the waist or hip, depending on the figure or mood.
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable design, we have sourced some wonderful new fabrics including silk hemp for our New Dynasty Dress and Top, and organic cottons in our Double Joy suit. Our Grasshopper Tee features an eco friendly print on organic New Zealand-made tee shirting. And we have a beautiful new selection of recycled buttons and buckles.
All our garments have been finished beautifully and reflect our underlying philosophy of well made enduring design.
