Sing in a Summer of Joy with Claire Barker's New Collection
Happiness and sensuality are the intrinsic themes woven through each garment in Claire Barker’s new spring summer 2010 collection.
The ‘Joy to the World’ collection was inspired by the classic Christmas carol, written by iconic composer Isaac Watts in 1719, and by the song of the same name performed by American rock band Three Dog Night during the 1960s.
The collection pays tribute to both eras, drawing from the classic themes of the 1700s, as well as the free spirited decade of the 1960s but with a contemporary feel.
Designer Claire Barker says the new collection is an extension of her autumn winter range ‘A Song for Lara’ which was designed to bring radiant romantic light to winter’s gloom.
“With my last collection, I sought to give hope and delight at a time when women needed it most. With ‘Joy to the World’ I have continued to concentrate on soft, feminine colours and fabrics with the desire that a woman wearing my designs will feel cheerful and sensual,” she says.
Barker’s affection for structure and shape is celebrated throughout the range, evident in stylish pieces from her chic white trench coat to her tailored pinstripe shorts.
“Each of the garments in the collection is designed to be simple because I want my customers to effortlessly represent their individuality with feeling overstated,” she says.
“The pieces are timeless and have been designed to reflect classic style teamed with modern functionality.”
Flirty summer dresses with dainty details, refined shapes and flattering cinched waists also impress in a range of pastel hues and beautiful patterns.
Barker says these feminine pieces continue to form the staple of her collections.
“I enjoy working with beautiful things and seeing them come together. I am involved with every step of the process from design, to production, to interacting with customers on the shop room floor. I love hearing how wearing one of my dresses makes a woman feel,” she says.
Each of the carefully created garments in the ‘Joy to the World’ collection offer Claire Barker’s renowned combination of luxury and affordability.
“I want women to feel like a million dollars without actually having to spend a fortune,” she says.
Claire Barker’s new collection is available in-store at ‘Claire Barker’, located right in the heart of Auckland’s fashion district on O’Connell St or online at www.clairebarker.co.nz
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Notes to editor:
Claire Barker Biography
A talented New Zealand fashion designer, Claire Barker's previous career in finance is vastly different from the fashion world she inhabits now. Claire worked as a futures trader for the Chinese Government before moving to the Foreign Exchange Market in New Zealand.
Claire's family history paved the way for her foray into fashion design. Her grandfather owned a number of manufacturing factories and her grandmother Bai Mei was one of China's most talented theatre actresses. Other members of Claire's family also share her love of fashion with her mother working as a model in China and her sister Mimi working as the Personal Assistant to the owner of a large fashion house in Beijing.
Claire opened her flagship store 'Claire Barker' in 2007 (previously trading under the brand name Anouk), in the heart of Auckland's fashion district on O'Connell St where she exclusively sells her own designs.
Claire's fashion ideas are heavily influenced by the classic fashions of the 1920's and 1930's as well as the late fifties and early sixties. It comes as no surprise that she lists famous style icon Audrey Hepburn as her favourite actress.
Claire Barker has plans to expand internationally later this year.
Claire lives in Auckland City with her husband Ben Barker, principal of Barker Hunt Solicitors.