Looks from the Carpenters Daughter’s Summer 21/22 collection. Images supplied.
Joyful colour and a celebration of individuality is the foundation of the latest collection from The Carpenters Daughter (TCD) for Summer 21/22. Founder and designer Caroline Marr was inspired by the extraordinary women who have had an influence on the designer and her brand including Dame Whina Cooper, Dame Valerie Adams and one of TCD’s gorgeous clients Lissy Cole. Caroline also looked to the brand’s impressive archive this season after being invited to show at the Retrospective Fashion Show at New Zealand Fashion Week 2021 (which is currently postponed).
The Carpenters Daughter was founded in 1990, with a vision of offering fashionable clothing that makes curvy women feel confident and empowered. Over the past 31 years, the brand has become a go-to for plus size women who love Caroline’s vibrant style and smart eye for design, and her loyal following extends throughout New Zealand and overseas.
When it came to this season’s new collection, TCD have have revived popular styles from the brand’s extensive archive including the Valerie A tunic, named after Dame Valerie Adams herself, which cuts across the shoulders in a racerback style and flows softly from the bust. Another easy to wear style that has been utilised for the range is the Jack O. wrap – named after Caroline’s Father. It gently wraps across the midsection offering easy coverage and showcasing the three piece dressing style that TCD has become synonymous with over the years.
For this unpredictable but slowly warming weather, light layering is key, and TCD offer their colourful printed base pieces which are perfectly paired with light flowy dresses and tunics in a range of colours, making for easy outfit combinations. To be suitably breathable for Summer, the range features mostly natural fabrics with soft viscose crepes, lightweight silks and printed linens among the hero fabrics for the collection.
Caroline also drew inspiration from some of the fiery colour palettes of previous collections and wanted the perfect shades of red in a number of different fabrics. An extensive search resulted in some suitably striking reds which is the featured hue of the collection and a perfect way to evoke the collection’s theme of celebrating and empowering women.
TCD has been thoughtfully designed and made in New Zealand for 31 years and this season sees the brand experimenting with new methods of production including opening up discounted pre-orders before a style is cut and made. The idea is to reduce wastage and not over-produce which creates a more sustainable future for the brand while continuing to offer the fashion TCD is beloved for. Summer is certainly an exuberant affair at The Carpenters Daughter.
Images supplied.