Nicole Hadfield from Oosterom. Image supplied.
Nicole Hadfield is the designer and founder of made-to-order clothing label Oosterom which is based in West Auckland. The brand is pronounced oh-stir-om and is inspired by and dedicated to Nicole’s beloved Oma, Pietje van Oosterom, who was a talented sewer. Each piece in Oosterom’s range is carefully handcrafted by Nicole in her studio, offering a made-to-order model enables her to reduce waste and means each purchase is a considered one. Customers are also able to book a consultation with Nicole to get their garment made to their measurements making for a perfect fit.
We caught up with Nicole to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
Think 1970s Sonny and Cher. TWO celebrates elongated silhouettes, power suits and effortless dresses, each piece is designed to add luxury to your everyday life. There’s a flared denim power suit for when you want to take charge in the office, a cobalt blue silk organza floaty dream for those days you need a statement dress and our classic wide leg tailored trousers in a heavy satin that’ll make you feel a million bucks when you walk down the street.
What made you become a designer?
My Oma, Pietje van Oosterom, was a wizard on the sewing machine and gave me the freedom to enjoy a creative childhood so it just comes naturally. The customer is always my number one priority, having a close relationship with the wearer and creating clothing that empowers and fits them like a dream is the reason I do what I do. There’s nothing better than knowing that a garment is going to be cherished forever; garments so good that your daughter will want to ‘borrow’ them in 2050.
Look from Oosterom’s TWO collection.
What inspires you?
Ensuring every piece I design is cherished is what drives me, this is my way of treading lightly on the environment. Knowing every piece is made to order is a little step towards creating more informed purchases. A piece that can be part of your wardrobe forever is a piece to be excited about.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
Effortless and sophisticated. Having just given birth to my first child, my body has gone through a multitude of changes. It’s important for clothing to be timeless, suit our fluctuating bodies as well as the changing seasons.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
An Issey Miyake Pleats Please wrap dress. I don’t wear it often but I plan to keep it forever.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A statement full length dress. You never know when you might be caught out for something just a little bit special. Throw it on and have some fun, you only live once!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Anything goes. It’s more about how clothing makes you feel. As cheesy as it sounds, a smile and confidence makes anything look great.
Looks from Oosterom’s TWO collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Working with the incredible team at Ingrid Starnes. I spent three years as the production manager and loved every minute. From the notorious Christmas costume parties, to our morning coffees, I had the best time making mighty lifelong friendships!
What can’t you live without?
Water. I’ll never leave home without a huge drink bottle. If you don’t have time for makeup, always make time for water.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
…nailpolish. I’m always working with my hands so it’s short, natural nails for me. I’d happily spend hours tailoring a suit, but sitting down to get my nails done and the maintenance just doesn’t float my boat.
Images supplied.