Désirée Turner, designer of Désirée Clothing. Image supplied.
Désirée Turner founded her namesake label Désirée Clothing in her hometown of Wellington to share her lifelong passion for clothing and design with other women. Her brand has a contemporary yet feminine feel with all her garments proudly designed and made in New Zealand. Désirée has a familial way of checking her garments work for different women with the designer utilising her two sisters who are similar sizes but different shapes to check the fit of each piece.
We caught up with Désirée to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
Our latest collection ‘Gardenia’ was inspired by some beautiful gardens I have visited around the world. It is not all about the flowers but more about how they made me feel. The beauty I got to experience, fresh air, sunshine and the different ways to create beauty.
There are two couple of floral prints in the range but the focus is more on the nature part with organic cottons and bamboo fabrics. Carrying on from last season, we again have two zero fabric waste items and this season they combine together to make a complete zero fabric waste outfit.
What made you become a designer?
Growing up I loved drawing but noticed that I only drew people and their clothes, with the emphasis being on their clothes. At 14 I wanted a skirt for an event and asked my Mum to teach me how to sew one and that really opened up a world of possibilities and it really all went from there.
What inspires you?
Each collection is a reflection of things that have happened in my life and they all tell a story. I love that I can put a bit of my own life into the collection and quite often travel and the nature around me are the biggest inspiration. For example, this collection – Gardenia – is inspired by the Zen gardens of Japan and Hampton Court gardens in London. Both of which are places I have travelled to and been inspired by.
Looks from Désirée Clothing’s Gardenia collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
My aesthetic is minimalist with a bit of a twist or something interesting. I like wearable clothes that are eye catching but timeless and most of all comfortable.
Basically my own style is what you see in the collection. I only wear clothes from the brand. This means that I wear what I create and can truly know the clothes and how they fit, how comfortable they are and what maintenance they require. It also means that I am a walking example of the brand and aesthetic.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
I recently convinced my husband to buy me a beautiful Harry & Co handbag for my birthday and I love it to pieces. It is a beautiful piece that is lovely quality and I know it is going to last years and years.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
A good pair of pants that you look and feel good wearing.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
There are certain parts of my body I don’t show off and that is about my only firm rule.
Looks from Désirée Clothing’s Gardenia collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Showing at NZ Fashion Week was really a big moment for me. I had dream’t of it for so long and to actually do it was awesome. Definitely an experience I won’t forget.
What can’t you live without?
My family, nothing means anything without them. As for physical things, my iPhone. It has everything on it and I wouldn’t know where I am meant to be and what I should be doing without my calendar on it.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Real fur.
Images supplied.