Art-inspired Fashion at Christchurch Art Gallery

Art-inspired Fashion at Christchurch Art Gallery

Laurie Foon, designer at New Zealand fashion house Starfish, was so moved by Rita Angus’s eye for colour that she used it as the foundation for her winter collection, Heirloom.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu will host an exclusive, modelled fashion show of the Heirloom collection on Wednesday 6 May, sponsored by The Press newspaper.

The event ties in with the Gallery’s current touring exhibition Rita Angus: Life & Vision. Developed by Te Papa, it  features 143 works from a woman widely regarded as one of the most important New Zealand artists of the twentieth century. 

‘We’ve not taken a literal approach but we have immersed ourselves in Rita’s work and life story, and that has led to the Heirloom collection,’ says Laurie.

‘We did dedicate our print to her – a brushstroke design on silk in colours that I hope she’d appreciate. Rita’s incredible interpretation of New Zealand landscapes and her use of colour resonates through our range.’

All Starfish garments in the Heirloom collection are 100% designed and made onshore in New Zealand.

"Heirloom acknowledges things that are precious to us - such as the work of Rita Angus - and things that we want to pass on."

The Heirloom range incorporates New Zealand’s only home-grown, commercially-woven merino fabric. Woven in Timaru by Koratex NZ, it is derived from sustainably-farmed merino from the Forest Range Station, Lindis Pass. Starfish was the first to showcase the fabric at Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

Those attending the fashion show will receive a private guided tour of Rita Angus: Life & Vision, plus receive a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival.

·        Heirloom – fashion inspired by Rita Angus. 7pm Wednesday 6 May, $20.

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