Silver Ferns select leading fashion designer

Click to enlarge
Anna Scarlett & Vicki Taylor (Scarlett wearing new suit pants)

Media Release
Sunday 3rd of September 2006

Silver Ferns select leading fashion designer to create uber-cool off-court look

Netball New Zealand has commissioned Vicki Taylor of Auckland’s Taylor Boutique to design a modern and edgy suit for the Silver Ferns to wear off-court.

It’s the first time the team has had an individually designed and tailored Number 1 uniform. The whole squad and management will wear it on-tour, for travelling and public appearances – 25 suits have been commissioned.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be chosen to create a new and groundbreaking look for the most celebrated and admired women’s team in the country”, said Vicki Taylor.

“It’s also been a challenge to develop a design that looks great on each player, can be worn in hot and cold climates, look appropriate at formal as well as casual events and is sexy, feminine and edgy – but I think we have done it”.

Design detail
Vicki Taylor has kept with classic black as the main colour for the suit.

The pants are a simple and straight cut so they look flattering on any body shape. (See pants on Anna Scarlett in attached jpeg)

Vicki has given the suit some ‘glam’ by focusing on the shape and detailing of the jacket and tops.

The tops
The summer top is reversible in two tones of grey, with a soft feminine cowl neck.

The winter top is made from NZ merino wool with a low scoop neck.

Vicki Taylor is known for original detailing on her garments, she has created a textured interpretation of the Silver Ferns’ fern.

“It will be hand sewn on to the side of the merino top creating a tactile dimension that screen printing never achieves”.

The jacket
This key garment has a sophisticated simplicity that may just steal the show.

“The jacket comes with the expectation that it will multi-task, it needs to be respectful for formal occasions, glamorous for evening wear with the ability to be casual and friendly too”.

Vicki Taylor has designed a fashion forward alternative to the classic woman’s suit jacket but the design details are yet to be announced.

“I presented two different designs to Netball New Zealand including a fairly traditional jacket and I was impressed and delighted that they chose the edgy option”.

Kiwi made & made to fit
Netball New Zealand wanted a kiwi designer and the garments to be manufactured here.

“That’s who we are and what we do so that was easy but it has enormous benefits for them as well - manufacturing in Auckland means we have the flexibility to individually fit each garment”.

Each team member has been measured during a ‘fitting’ at Taylor.

“Many of the players have difficulty finding clothing that fits, they have very long legs so pants languish awkwardly above ankles, sleeves lap the elbow instead of the wrist… it’s a problem we solve for clients everyday because women don’t come in off the rack standard sizes”.

First outing
The uniforms are on-track for completion in early September. They will be worn by the team for the first time in October.

“I believe the players looking stylish off-the-court can bring a positive psychological benefit on-the-court. It’s a very simple thing with women – if we look good, we feel positive and we all know what a squad of confident Silver Ferns can achieve”.

Taylor Boutique is located on Jervois Road in Herne Bay and Teed St in Newmarket, Auckland City.

The ‘suit’ will be on display at both boutiques within the next few weeks.

ENDS

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