A modern ritual

It may be raining and wet outside but in the world of fashion, we are already on to the spring–summer 2011–12 collections. We begin the upcoming season by looking at one of Wellington’s hardest-working young design talents, Hermione Flynn
by Sopheak Seng

FOR SPRING–SUMMER 2011–12, the art of dressing is redefined once again by demi-couture designer Hermione Flynn.

We have featured Flynn’s work in the past. She was selected last year as a promising label in the Westpac Young Designer Awards. Two collections later, stockists throughout New Zealand have picked up her brand, and she is stronger than ever.

Her spring–summer collection, entitled Modern Rituals, explores the ritualistic process of dressing, where individual garments come together to compose a uniform look for the wearer. Taking inspiration from the modern form of a business suit, Flynn’s collection explores elements of men’s tailoring, cut and construction.

Colour blocking, a signature of Flynn’s work, is still evident and strong through this collection. Golds, charcoal, stone and black clash with maroon, moss, nudes, taupes and navy to create a palette that questions the normal everyday office wear.

Shirts are fashioned into dresses and classic button-downs are the main staple, while tailoring is fashioned into knife pleated shorts and waistcoats. No work wear is complete without a tailored blazer and, this season, Flynn offers a great range of jackets with contrast lapels and top collars. There is even a work cape for the fashion-adventurous.

Bondage-like strapping across the back of waistcoats add that quirky design touch to Flynn’s work and further explores her love of couture design.

This season also sees the introduction of print into Flynn’s design repertoire. An ethnic tribal print is exquisitely fashioned into a three-piece suit for the modern working women while a tie-dye effect print is used on pants and shirts.

Hermione Flynn is available online and through the Service Depot in Wellington and Salisbury Boutique in Dunedin. •

Sopheak Seng is fashion editor of Lucire.

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