Designer Rebecca Anderson from Chaos & Harmony.
Rebecca Anderson is the talented designer and owner of Chaos & Harmony, the Bay of Plenty-based footwear company that is known for their stunning collections centred around cleverly structured styles in sublime colours. The busy mum is a fan of simple but chic looks with her outfits co-ordinated to highlight her latest sophisticated footwear.
We caught up with Rebecca 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 new spring/summer collection is called Shattered. It is about breaking away from unrealistic ideals and the expectations we place on ourselves. We want to see more wholeness in women, both emotionally and physically. In places the collection is dark, but there are a lot of clear, light colours bringing balance to the range. Of course we love our heels and we want to create more but, for now, there is the perfect number for this market.
What made you become a designer?
For me, it’s not so much about being a designer but about creating my future and allowing people to come on the journey. I love turning what could be into a reality and seeing people so thrilled about their shoes. I love the confidence they possess when they are in the right style for them.
What inspires you?
People, culture, ideas, thoughts, landscapes, photography, reading, a perfect blue-bell day and having a really good conversation.
Footwear from Chaos & Harmony’s Shattered collection.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your products and brand.
Currently the effort I put into my style is somewhat limited, but I think that has to do with being a mum and the environment we live in. I tend to go with whatever is working for me in that moment and thrash it. I like to see how many different ways I can wear something, it’s a simple and effortless approach. I mostly wear black and white and because I know I have a good shoe wardrobe I tend to just put on good lipstick and amazing heels and go. I also think confidence speaks volumes. If I was living in New York I would be definitely be in my element. I love texture and it’s definitely an aesthetic that has influenced our collections – we love playing with layering in shoes and giving them depth.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
It wasn’t a purchase but a find – an embossed croc leather bag I found in Rome which is old and weary. I used it for school when I was studying and now it’s my work bag. It’s nostalgic and has become a comfort.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
The perfect pair of black boots.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
It’s not hard and fast but I always encourage people to know their colours – what suits the tone of their skin and brings life to them.
Footwear from Chaos & Harmony’s Shattered collection.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There are so many goals I’m still working on, but it has been so exciting to open our retails stores in collaboration with clothing label BLAK. We love the stores and our staff and just love that we can get closer to our customers. BLAKCHAOS is located in our hometown of Mt Maunganui and in Ponsonby on Mackelvie St. Our staff are such lovely inspiring people, it makes what we do fun!
What can’t you live without?
This is not your typical answer but I’ve had seasons where I can’t dream. And it’s not a good place for me to be. I can safely say I can’t live without dreaming about what could be.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Electric cobalt blue – it’s my cringe colour.
Images supplied.