Designer Emma Burton from Emma Ford. Image supplied.
Emma Burton is the talented designer behind swimwear brand Emma Ford which she started in 2004 after developing her love for swimwear while studying at the Design and Arts College of New Zealand. Emma’s high fashion swimwear is cleverly cut and features custom prints for bold looks that are truly covetable. Emma Ford swimwear is proudly designed and made in New Zealand.
We caught up with Emma to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
The inspiration behind our Summer 17 collection is getting back to the basics of the Emma Ford brand. We love minimal 80s/90s swimwear, simple sexy with a focus on cut and quality, print-wise we wanted to encompass what our brand has always been about – bold, graphic and fun!
What made you become a designer?
I have always loved fashion, as soon as I could leave high school I was off to design school, and then straight into custom-making swimwear, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by many things as I love all different aspects of design.
Mark (my husband and business partner) always has amazing, sometimes crazy ideas that inspire and shape our collections. I am always obsessed with 80s glamour and photographer Helmut Newton and adore the work of New Zealand photographer Damien Nikora.
Swimwear from Emma Ford’s Summer 2017 collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your brand?
Most people would know me for my love of over-sized pieces. I love a bit of crazy and aren’t afraid to take risks. I think the confidence I have in my own personal style influences our swimwear brand.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
I’m not a huge shopper so what I buy will often be pieces I love. I am also very spoilt to have a womenswear brand Woodward. But stand out pieces would be my yellow animal print Jeremy Scott x Adidas sweatshirt from one of his first collections, a Bernard Wilhelm t-shirt dress and my vintage lingerie and swimwear collection.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
Pieces that make you feel great, alongside great basics and swimwear of course!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
I’m not really a fashion rules person, I would say never be afraid to try something new and a bright lipstick always lifts an outfit.
Swimwear from Emma Ford’s Summer 2017 collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
When America’s Next Top Model came here we featured and it was so much fun! NZ Fashion Week is always a great experience and I loved the FQ swim show at Ostro last year. But top of my list is featuring in the NZ Fashion Museum’s ‘At the Beach exhibition’, I think Doris de Pont is incredible and to sit alongside NZ beach history is a great feeling.
What can’t you live without?
Besides my family, it would be my MAC bronzer, double shot flat whites, Pinot and our family holidays camping at Ohio Harbour.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing… I’ve learnt never say never!
Swimwear from Emma Ford’s Summer 2017 collection.
Images supplied.