With over 12 flagship stores, 300 stockists worldwide (including Australia's David Jones) and a legion of high profile clientele including Reese Witherspoon, Liv Tyler, Julia Roberts and Miranda Kerr, it was no surprise that NZ's most successful fashion label, Trelise Cooper, was easily the biggest and longest show at NZFW. The show was divided into two parts with three very distinct collections, each as different and desirable as the next. First up was Trelise Cooper's diffusion line Cooper. A collection with an American Country Western influence there was plenty of denim, plaid, crochet knits and oversize cowboy hats and lace up boots. This was followed by Trelise Cooper's main line which I'm sure you would all know just by looking at it that I would be a fan. Preppy, pretty and polished are a few words that come to mind. Soft pastels in lilac, blue, pink and green were worked into flattering two piece suits, tailored coats and checkered pants and skirts. A bright and colourful floral print complimented this soft spring colour palette, with doll-like make up and mary jane pumps finishing off these pretty and feminine looks.
As the show progressed the collection quickly transitioned into black and white tweed jackets, cream lace, bead embellished evening dresses and chic fur stoles. Particularly love the navy and cream swan print paired with cute white stockings. "Each piece in the range has been lovingly crafted using diverse fabrics and finishes to create the final beautiful result, which ultimately delights both the wearer and the observer" says Trelise. And after experiencing my very first Trelise Cooper show it was exactly that. A pure delight to observe and experience first hand.
Closing the show was a group of models in nothing but black suit jackets, sheer thigh high stockings, heels and underpants with the word "Boardroom" written across the back. Everyone seemed confused but equally intrigued by what it meant. One person even whispered to me that this was the eye wear line Trelise was launching (She already happens to have one, of course) but after the show I found out it was actually a "cheeky" introduction to her latest collection "Boardroom", which is being described as “an affordable collection for the executive woman”. Yet another performance at the Trelise Cooper show and another extension to her ever growing fashion empire, which already consists of Trelise Cooper, Cooper, Treslise Cooper Jewellery, Treslise Cooper Interiors and a perfume fragrance called 'Trelise'. Now that's an inspiring business woman.