A trio of creativity: designers Nikki Walker, Anna Murray, and Darya Bing
Great things happen when great minds come together – and a female-led collaboration between three New Zealand designers (Laing founder Anna Murray and Walker & Bing founders Nikki Walker and Darya Bing) has resulted in a luxuriously understated collection of five capsule pieces.
Centred around a bold custom print (designed in-house by textile designers Walker & Bing), the partnership with premium womenswear brand Laing delivers an appealing print, making a bold statement across lusciously soft silhouettes.
The limited capsule offers silk shirts, print dresses, pants, and a short, all crafted in luxurious and reputably-sourced silk crepe de chine or sustainable tencel voile.
The collaboration was sparked by Anna’s desire to create a print for Laing for SS22. She found herself naturally gravitating towards the quality and aesthetic of local brand Walker & Bing, known for their iconic, custom-printed silk scarves and accessories.
Already stocked on Laing’s online store, the idea of a collaboration quickly came to fruition, working together on mood boards, colour palettes, and original artworks before settling on the final print.
“Three women working together to develop a print for women appealed. Darya and Nikki brought inspiration and ideas to the table to throw around, not just take a brief and deliver to that,” says Anna. “They understand fabrics, quality, timelessness, art, and culture.”
The capsule collection has a resort-like feel and is an ode to balmy summer evenings. The inspiration?
“Bali meets Santorini,” says Anna.
Fitting effortlessly into a holiday wardrobe, each piece is considered in design and able to be worn poolside or elevated for dinner out.
“Each item works cohesively together as a set but is bold and architectural enough to stand alone in an existing wardrobe.
“The print is strong and bold but the silhouettes are soft. I love that juxtaposition and for me, it feels like so many of the women I know and admire. They have this inner strength and sense of purpose and direction but a softness and empathy towards the world around them,” says Anna.
The collection is available online now.
Images supplied