Designer Annabelle Wilson from Wilson Trollope. Image supplied.
Wellington label Wilson Trollope have opened their first permanent store on Victoria Street in Wellington’s CBD which also celebrated the launch of their new Spring/Summer collection. We first heard of Wilson Trollope in the New Generation show at New Zealand Fashion Week 2014 and since then the label has gone on to build a loyal following throughout the country. The popularity of the brand’s pop-up shops in various locations meant the time was right to move into a permanent boutique this season.
“It’s always been a huge dream of mine to have my own store and it’s now become a reality,” says designer and founder, Annabelle Wilson. “The label has been going from strength to strength and I couldn’t be happier that my first store is in my hometown Wellington – the support locally and throughout the country has been incredible.”
The shiny new store also sees the launch of Wilson Trollope’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection Les Parisiennes, which is an elegant range of feminine pieces that exemplify the brand’s refined aesthetic. “This collection is about celebrating the women of Paris during and immediately after the Second World War,” adds Wilson. “My inspiration came from the fact that during the Occupation of Paris, “Les Parisiennes”, kept Paris going – they retained and used their innate senses of fashion to sustain their own well-being, defy the occupiers in small ways and were supremely resilient.”
The new collection features charming florals and delicate lace in a fresh and pretty colour palette that is perfect for the warmer months. The designer has taken her love of classic full-skirted silhouettes and given them a crisp, military-inspired twist that feels modern and easy to wear. The lovely dresses, skirts, tops and summer jackets have a sophisticated feel and there are plenty of work to evening outfits in Wilson’s considered collection that is crafted from cotton, silk and linen.
“From a young age I was always inspired by my grandmothers and mother who encouraged me in my quest to become a fashion designer with my own label,” says Wilson. “Sadly, my grandmothers have passed away but my mother is still very much part of my business, helping me every step of the way.”
Images supplied.