Beloved local milliner, Natalie Chan, launched her latest couture millinery collection 'Cinematic Starlets' high above the city at Auckland's Sugar Club yesterday. The luxuriously appointed venue was the perfect match for Chan's gorgeous headwear creations which were showcased on models and mannequins for a select group of clients, media and friends. Beautiful blooms from Cartier flowers added to the spring atmosphere while Chan's favourite champagne, Mumm Cordon Rouge, was served to guests at the relaxed but elegant affair.
Chan's gorgeous headwear is all hand made in her atelier by herself and her team which was referenced in the clever presentations that adorned tables of her 'Re-envisioned' range of re-worked vintage pieces; the scissors, ribbons, patterns and pins giving a small insight into the process involved in making headwear.
The 'Cinematic Starlets' collection explores Chan's fascination with mixing vintage and modern influences and ideas, she also described some of the pieces as her most modern to date. Sculptural shapes featured strongly in the new range with dramatic effect, the new pieces feature less embellishments than previous collections and more emphasis on structure although still maintaining the feminine and refined look that Chan is known for.
There are certainly a range of winsome looks to keep all of her fans happy, with everything from playful pieces with 'ears' to traditional pillbox styles and then the more theatrical pieces that will no doubt help some lucky ladies take home best-dressed prizes at the races this season. As fashion has embraced femininity again in the past few years it has been lovely to see women enjoying dressing up and celebrating their individuality with their fashion choices. No doubt we will be seeing a lot of these divine creations out and about this summer.
