Trelise Cooper - witty, vivacious and feminine
As it turns out Trelise Cooper is a bit of a comedian; the names of her pieces can’t help but grab your attention with monikers like “Money Shaker Shrug” (below left) or “Super Market Dolly Top” (below right ). But don’t be distracted by the clever names, her designs are far more interesting!
Colourful, vivacious, and bold could quite easily explain most collections by Trelise; but her current spring/summer collection has used colour quite minimally, with dashes of it here and there emboldened by a subdued palette of creams, whites, and blacks. This green “Crème De Menthe” dress (see right) claims its own fame with a bold emerald tone, and jeweled V-straps.
Femininity reigns in this collection, like many before it, and embraces eras of more “ladylike” association as well as those of womanly independence. Full skirts and florals walk side by side boldly striped flapper style garments allowing the devoted crowd of Trelise Cooper designs to be whoever she desires. This New Romantic Shrug is the epitomy of feminine elegance.
Lingerie, Children's Wear and Interior Design
Not only is she notorious for her women’s wear but she also designs lingerie, children’s wear and eyewear. If this weren’t enough she is also making a splash on the interior design scene, partnering with Charles Parsons Ltd, and opened a fabric store in Auckland in 2008. The idea was to create a place where anyone from patch workers and brides-to-be, to emerging designers and craftspeople could come and find things to inspire their creations. Here you can find remnants, notions, distinctive trims and buttons as well as fabrics ranging from $6 - $175 per meter. Trelise also takes on 50% of the design work that comes with creating the fabric patterns found in her store; this also explains why the patterns in her own creations are so unique.
Trelise Cooper trivia
Things you May not know about Trelise Cooper:
• The Trelise Cooper brand has experienced a yearly growth of 100 per cent since 1997
• In the US most Trelise Cooper pieces sell before they make it to the shop floor
• In 2002, much talked about celebrity Julia Roberts bought the entire summer range.
• It is estimated that at any one time 50,000 Trelise Cooper pieces are in circulation around the world
(Bullet point information credit http://www.vogue.com.au/fashion_central/people/designers/trelise_cooper)
