Looks from Starving Artists Fund’s Misery Index collection. Images supplied.
Starving Artists Fund recently released a new collection called Misery Index which is another fascinating range from this intriguing local label. Designer and founder Natasha Ovely has made a name for her brand for its socially conscious collections that blend unique inspirations for an artistic result. This collection is named after the American economic indicator by Arthur Okun, the Misery Index (which feels like an appropriate name with the soaring cost of everything these days) and it helps determine how the average citizen is doing economically and is calculated by adding the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to the annual inflation rate. It is assumed that both a higher rate of unemployment and a worsening of inflation create economic and social costs for a country.
For Natasha, her collection is a reaction to what’s going on in the world and here in Aotearoa, “It addresses the pressures of creating work during the brink of a recession, ‘timelessness’ and the messiness and growing pains of being 30-somethings!” says Natasha Ovely. “At its core, the collection is an ode to resilience and things that prevail.”
The collection itself features Starving Artists Fund’s signature artistic shapes with sculptural forms, pleating and cut out details creating captivating garments. Black feels like the right base tone for this range which features jewel tones of emerald and garnet complemented by neutral hues of brown and grey. The look is avant garde but in a wearable way and will no doubt appeal to the brand’s many fans who are as eclectic as the label is.
Starving Artists Fund has an ethos of inclusiveness with this range offering pieces up to a size 26 (4XL). The brand take their commitment to minimising their impact on the planet seriously using dead stock fabric where possible and manufacturing locally alongside making the brand’s designs waste-free. Fashion with a conscience and that embraces individuality is always win-win in our book.
Images supplied.