Otago Polytechnic School of Fashion lecturer Annette Cadogan will showcase her label Iris for the first time at iD Dunedin Fashion Week. Photo by Michelle McCullough.
The Otago Polytechnic School of Fashion lecturer is nervous, but excited, about showing her designs as part of the Capsule Collections at the 10th anniversary Southern Trust iD Dunedin Fashion Show on March 14.
‘‘I'm a little nervous being the first time but it will be a lot of fun. I have helped out behind the scenes before so that's always helpful.''
‘‘I've had my label operating for a little over two years and it's slowly been developing from season to season.''
Ms Cadogan said she would have five models on the runway on March 14, wearing layered pieces consisting of dresses and shirt-style garments which could evolve and last from season to season.
The designer, who spent 10 years working in the fashion industry in Wellington before returning to Dunedin to teach, is proud her creations are not only designed and made in New Zealand but designed and made in Dunedin.
‘‘As much as I can I would like to support our local industry by using local producers such as Adventure Outfitters and Otago Knitwear.''
The Iris winter 09 collection is inspired by the philosophy of American designer Claire McCardell (1905-1958), which was that aesthetically pleasing garments should also be functional and of a quality that ensured they would outlast a single season's wear.
Since 2006, Iris has been retailing at Stir on George St and at White by Design in Roslyn. The winter 09 collection will also be available to buy at Stashh in Invercargill and Verranda Young in Auckland.
