24 September 2010
New Zealand label WORLD never fails to bring the spectacle — and the sparkle — to New Zealand Fashion Week. The label specializes in experimental yet wearable luxury garments that have garnered the brand a cult following world wide. This year, accessories were dipped in glitter, the colour palette was gaudy, and the results were great! Oyster quizzed chief designer Francis Hooper after the label's first show in two years.
Oyster: What were your inspirations for this collection?
Francis: My inspiration for this season’s collection was 'wasted days and wasted nights' — a reaction to the times! A concise line of flamboyant pieces that is decadent and rich in character for the coming winter.
Oyster: How would you sum it up in a few words?
Francis: Indulgent, formidable, and intoxicating.
Oyster: What are your favourite parts of the collection?
Francis: The leopard suiting in a heartbeat — the tassels make it irresistible.
Oyster: What were your reasons for skipping last year’s show? Did you feel pressure to deliver something excellent this year after not presenting a show last year?
Francis: We were simply too busy. WORLD and WORLDMAN together take a lot of time to nurture. Last year was a very busy year building relationships in Europe, hence we were a no-show in NZ.
Oyster: How do you feel the show went? What has the feedback been like?
Francis: WORLD is a show brand so we were in our element; from the luxurious invitation to the ballroom at the Langham Hotel, the show was a fabulous one-off experience.
Oyster: Who was your favourite model to work with?
Francis: All our models were wonderful but we have favourites. The models we used in our lookbook, Jessica and Nick from NOVA, are the sexiest undiscovered stars.
Oyster: Were there any near-disasters backstage?
Francis: No disasters, the show was smooth as silk. Harold Samu was our show producer. We flew him in from Sydney. He works for Valonz in Sydney and does all the shows for Renya and Brent Lawler.
Oyster: Were you worried that umbrellas opened inside would be bad luck?
Francis: The umbrellas were a perfect touch. The day was disastrous: wet, cold and hideous…and we showed glitter umbrellas! FAB! Seven years good luck!
Oyster: How did you spend the evening after the show?
Francis: Setting up the studio for buying appointments (glamorous eh!).
Oyster: What’s next for WORLD?
Francis: A new store in Melbourne, a show next year in Sydney and a holiday in Paris.
