Trelise Cooper scores US coup

By RENEE KIRIONA

The United States fashion industry has given New Zealand designer Trelise Cooper its stamp of approval.

This week, Cooper's reputation was boosted when one of her garments appeared on the cover of the US-based WWD - Women's Wear Daily- a paper regarded as the "bible" by fashion and beauty companies around the world.

Under the headline "Southern Charm" and beside a photo of a model wearing Cooper's "On a Roll" skirt and "Cinch When" top, the paper wrote: "New Zealander Trelise Cooper is quickly gaining popularity in the US.

"At Henry Bendel, for example, a sequin coat was on the floor for a mere two hours before someone snapped it up."

Yesterday, the 46-year-old designer was a world away in her Parnell workshop.

"I'm so excited. Words can't describe it and I don't want to be seen to be blowing my own trumpet."

Making the cover was a "stamp of approval" that would give her more credibility not only in America but throughout the world, she said.

WWD's Australian correspondent Patty Huntington said only three designers from the South Pacific region had had their work feature on the cover in the paper's 90 years.

The other two - Sydney-based New Zealander Colette Dinningan and Australia's Sass & Bide - had gone on to to become extremely successful around the world.

"If this proves anything it is that fashion retailers are buzzing about her garments and that's what really matters because that's where the money is made."

Trelise Cooper fans include Hollywood stars Julia Roberts, Michelle Pfeiffer and Angela Bassett. Reese Witherspoon this week purchased 40 items.

"This week has been full on with the Witherspoon purchase, the cover and now with New Zealand Fashion Week, where I'll be launching my summer collection," Cooper said.

Fashion Week managing director Pieter Stewart said she was delighted that the contacts the designer had made at past Fashion Weeks had helped her to tap into the markets.