Having bewitched spectators with her seamless blend of tradition and innovation, Natalie B Coleman’s latest capsule collection, SISTERS, devised in close partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), is soaring off to the Southern Hemisphere.
A select number of Zambesi stores, whose contents closely mirror Donnybrook design hub Havana – Rick Owens! Raf Simons! – have connected Coleman’s wares with New Zealanders for the first time.
Such a move makes complete sense, considering the universal resonance that characterises each collection: Coleman’s feminist undercurrents have forever felt palpable but, this time round, her stirring call to sisterhood is especially fervent.
Colour-bursting silk scarves, t-shirts and sweats (crafted with minimal carbon footprint) are emblazoned with thought-provoking motifs, each vibrant symbol – derived from drawings of female anatomy – lionising the iron-clad, contemporary links between women across the globe.
SISTERS arose to commemorate the 25th anniversary of women’s sexual and reproductive rights, whilst campaigning to challenge (and eventually eradicate) female genital mutilation in practising communities: 10% of its proceeds head straight to UNPFA, while 10% of the collection’s Zambesi sales will buttress the pioneering work of NZ FGM Education Programme.
Curiously, Coleman is far from the first Irish designer to descend on New Zealand’s shores: Simone Rocha and JW Anderson make tracks to Zambesi this side of Christmas, while Helen Steele (queen of kaleidoscopic, sustainable fashion) is primed to launch in Oz and NZ.
@nataliebcoleman @helensteelefash / @zambesisince79
Words: Amelia O’Mahony
