When New Zealand's Alexandra Owen debuted her first collection of polished, sculptural garments last year in in Auckland, fashionistas across the country took in a collective gasp of excitement—this former architect's youthful and original approach to womenswear was just the breath of fresh air that they'd all been waiting for. In fact, Los Angeles-based boutique H Lorenzo was so impressed that they scooped up Owen's work on the spot for their edgy little shop.

Wearable, but beautiful in the extreme, Owen's Summer 2008 collection shows an evolution in her modern goth aesthetic into something that is effortlessly cool, totally elegant and really hard to pigeonhole (Is it medieval or futuristic? Dark or sweet? Over-the-top or simple? She'll never tell). Fluid fabrics in a monochromatic palette—with the occasional splash of a dramatic fiery red—drape the body in flattering, romantic silhouettes, seeming to take on a life that's all their own.

Karen Walker, methinks your time as head Kiwi is up. There's a new emerging designer who is poised to create a sartorial splash Stateside—and it seems like she's not afraid to make some waves.

For more information please visit www.alexandraowen.co.nz.

- Caroline Stanley

Similar Topics:fashion, New Zealand, shopping, summer 2008

comments (0) : Send to a Friend : Subscribe

:  digg this :  del.icio.us! :