Designer Deryn Schmidt.
Deryn Schmidt launched her contemporary womenswear label in 2010 and the Wellington-based designer opening her first flagship boutique in Petone in April this year. Deryn’s classic style with a modern sensibility has seen her gain a loyal following in the past six years and she prides her label on being 100% New Zealand made.
We caught up with Deryn to find out more about her latest collection, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
Titled Perceptual World for Spring-Summer 2016/17, it is about how we all perceive things differently. There is a contrast of strong prints with soft florals, pastel colours mixed with bright hues in beautiful silks, linens, cottons.
What made you become a designer?
My passion for the fashion industry started at a very young age, initially learning crafts and sewing from my Nana. After training in all aspects of fashion for over a decade with a number of designers, it was the natural progression to develop my own ideas into my own individual designs.
What inspires you?
Everything and anything can inspire me, from friends and customers, while travelling or sitting on my back deck, nature, art, architecture.
Look from Deryn Schmidt’s Spring/Summer 2016/17 collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your brand?
I enjoy comfortable classic shapes and am not driven by trends. I can’t go past a shirt with trouser and love a tailored jacket.
What is your all-??time favourite purchase?
Very tricky to single one out, but I do love my Kathryn Wilson handbag.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
It has to be a leather jacket. I’m in love with my Journey Jacket made from soft NZ Deer Nappa.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Less is more.
Looks from Deryn Schmidt’s Spring/Summer 2016/17 collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
So many highlights, but most recently the opening of our first flagship store in Jackson Street, Petone.
What can’t you live without?
My family.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
A mini skirt.
Images supplied.