This week, Style Blog puts the spotlight on two young and exceptionally talented local designers, Juliette Hogan and Alexandra Owen who both just keep going from strength to strength.
But just before we give you the low-down on these lovely ladies we must digress to something completely unrelated!
Style Blog were completely star-struck last Friday when none other than the seriously hot, Harry Connick Jnr came into TVNZ to do a live cross to Wellington for the "Good Morning" show.
Wow, what a great guy! So polite, so utterly charming and did we mention how drop-dead gorgeous he is? Ok, yes, and he's a very talented singer too!
Anyway,back to the original topic: Juliette Hogan and Alexandra Owen! (Sorry about that!)
The main similarities are that both designers have their own super cute boutiques on Ponsonby Road in Auckland, are young and talented and are both represented by Murray Bevan's PR company, Showroom 22.
However, from a design perspective, the two designers have completely different design visions when it comes to designing their collections.
Alexandra Owen
Wellington-based designer Alexandra isn't one to go overboard on
seasonal trends and quietly maintains her own individual style.
She designs intellectual garments that have distinctly sculptural elements to them, reflecting her strong background in art and design.
Alexandra had her debut show at Air NZ Fashion week back in 2007 and wowed the critics with a collection that had a truly international feel to it.
She has also just recently returned from NYC after showing her latest collection to buyers and press over there, including a visit to the fabled offices of Vogue US! Wow!
Check out her latest Autumn 2010 collection at: www.alexandraowen.co.nz
We're thinking quite a few pieces would look great on the ever stylish Ali Mau&
Here are Style Blog's pics from Alexandra's latest
collection
Juliette Hogan
After completing a design degree in textiles, Auckland
based designer Juliette cut her teeth as a pattern & design
assistant for Helen Cherry.
Juliette then won the Karen Walker/Steinlager Dare to Be scholarship which enabled her to train at Parsons School of Design in New York.
In the Big Apple, Juliette did an internship with Rebecca Taylor and in 2004 she released her own label delivering a stunning debut at NZ Fashion Week.
Juliette's collections are always filled with pieces that are simple and feminine. Classic yet thoroughly modern and therefore very wearable.
There is a timelessness about Juliette's clothes that make them functional and stylish. Style Blog recently dressed our beloved co-host of Breakfast, Pippa Wetzell in some of Juliette's designs.
Juliette's latest collection, So Pretty It Hurts, has some really great pieces in it with a theme of "sexy librarian" running through it. Style Blog love that!
Have a look for yourself at: www.juliettehogan.com
Style Blogs fave's from Juliette's latest
collection
