Katie-maree Coleman is a young Auckland designer on her way up.
She likes to use natural fabrics in her designs, so it's no surprise they appear a lot throughout her own wardrobe too. Young designer Katie-maree Coleman launched her label Katie-maree Cole last year with a basics range made of New Zealand merino and cotton. Her most recent, high-end collection, Painted.me, has been influenced by the film and book Memoirs of a Geisha and "the Japanese flirtation with individual style". Coleman, who graduated from Otago Polytechnic in 2006, won the chance to spend time in the Karen Walker workroom as part of the Air NZ Inspiring New Zealanders competition, which she credits helped gave her the confidence to launch her own label. Coleman, who is soon to launch an online store (katiemareecole.com), describes her designs and style as feminine.
"The emphasis is on natural fabrics in high quality feminine designs, there is always colour and prints to set the mood for the season that the collection grows around."
What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?
Fashion and food - together preferably.
Who or what inspires you?
I love watching movies and soaking in the different aesthetics - taking a character's personality and translating that into a wardrobe with all their quirks and irregularities.
Your favourite accessory?
This season definitely a variety of wool socks.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
New stockings every winter - a simple way to jazz up an outfit with texture and colour if you're that way inclined.
What endures throughout the seasons?
Grace.
Your favourite shop?
The Department Store because they have everything a girl needs and the coffee is great, so it's a win-win.
Do you have a fashion obsession?
Wool cardigans and boots, there are so many varieties to indulge in. Every season you discover that what you thought was a complete selection in your wardrobe is still not quite big enough.
How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?
Experimenting with your dressing personality with confidence.
What is the biggest fashion/beauty/hair mistake you have ever made?
I decided to dye my hair black while I was studying in Dunedin. I must have been trying to feel the dark intelligent design aesthetic but I ended up looking, well ... not myself.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
No, I am pretty fascinated by people who wear "crazy" things with confidence; people-watching would be far less entertaining if everyone wore trendy clothing.
The one rule you dress by?
What character do I feel like playing today?
Most cherished item?
My engagement ring. My husband chose it and people always comment on it.
Describe the best outfit you've ever worn.
A Marc Jacobs' black silk playsuit with white polka dots to my mother-in-law's 50th birthday party, paired with some patent leather heels I picked up at Farmers that made me feel like my outfit was a bargain.
Favorite fashion-y movie?
The ones I have watched over and over would be Breakfast at Tiffany's for elegance and style, and Marie Antoinette for its gorgeous colour and textures.
If money were no option?
I would open a shop in a large beautiful space with unique illustrations over the walls and interiors - a place where customers can step into a wonderful world that will take them out of their day for just a moment in time, where they are free to dream and be inspired. There would be great coffee involved as well, of course.
