Stitch Ministry returns to the runway at this year’s Air New Zealand Fashion Week with their winter 2010 collection titled Sgt. Peppers.
A collection that brings out the inner muso in all of us, Sgt. Peppers focuses on three main elements; edgy rock, country grunge and military in a line that is sexy, sophisticated, and understated with a rocker chic.
For designer Kylee Davis, a fascination with ‘80s rock icon Debbie Harry provided the right mix of femininity and attitude to become an inspiration for the collection.
The edgy rock component offers directional ‘80s silhouettes highlighted with innovative chains threaded through merino knits, chunky studs and sequin epaulettes. Asymmetrical tops and power shoulder detailing pays tribute to Dynasty style dressing in soft knits for a dramatic effect.
Another part of the collection plays on a heritage, country grunge and features chunky grandpa style knits with a checker detail and leather buckle accessory in this season’s highlight colours of rich chocolate and pink.
Davis worked with emerging artist Priyanka Pereira to develop the country grunge signature print, inspired by a contemporary camouflage to create a delicate floral-like quality. Soft tailoring in a timeless herringbone complements the look and for the first time Stitch Ministry has introduced a foil print on viscose for a high lustre wet look effect.
The final inspiration and the collection’s title stems from the 1967 Beatles Sgt Peppers album cover. Stitch Ministry celebrates military elements with unique knitwear in signature charcoal and red. Hand tailoring is accented by ink blue embroidered epaulettes with a vivid barrack cotton silk print inspired by a bird’s-eye view of landscape army barracks.
This season the Stitch Ministry diffusion range Stitch Ministry Vitals sees an expansion of its popular staples. The range incorporates directional detailing such as focal military shoulder details, ‘80s tie dye fabric, chains, draping components and delicate sequining.
New additions to the Vitals are leggings and bodysuits as well as a selection of super soft 100% merino essentials. The collection stands alone as well as integrating with the mainline and provides an affordable fashion fix for under RRP $199.
As a finale to the catwalk show, Stitch Ministry celebrates the ethnic and natural fibres of New Zealand and takes what the high fashion label is best known for - remarkable knitwear - and debuts a collection of couture possum skin and 100% merino body-wear entitled “Wahine Bikini.”
Made from top-of-the-line possum skin and merino, this is untouched territory in the fashion world. The sculptured bodysuits serve as underwear or outerwear to be styled with Stitch Ministry’s main line.
“American inspiration highly influences the fashion of today so I wanted to stay true to Stitch Ministry’s home grown identity by injecting some Kiwi ingenuity back in to the world of fashion. Our designs consist of both statement pieces and staple garments to complete any outfit,” says Davis.
Watch the full Stitch Ministry show
