Amber Gardner's label, Shjark, has French and Japanese influences, with classic, clean lines. Photo/supplied
Rodelle Payne chats with designer Amber Gardner - the creator of new fashion label Shjark
With more than a decade of experience in the New Zealand fashion industry, including working designer for Murray Crane and Workshop, Amber Gardner has put all this great training to use for the hottest new label in New Zealand - Shjark.
With her desire for a move toward a "less-is-more" approach, Amber is launching Shjark with a Summer 2016-17 collection. It is a modular wardrobe of "timeless building blocks, designed for purpose and versatility".
Classic, clean lines and tailoring will lend sophistication to a collection of elevated basics for all occasions. With French and Japanese influences, there is a chic, pared-back ease to the range that offers a modern woman the elements for her self expression.
How did your label come about? I have always had my sights set on having my own brand, and with over a decade of experience as a successful designer for numerous iconic New Zealand labels, the timing was right for me to create a brand and company based on my own aesthetics.
What do the designs mean to you? Shjark is effortless perfection for the modern woman. Each season, the Shjark collections are designed around the concept of a modular wardrobe of timeless building blocks, designed to be completely of the moment, yet eschewing trends. They are all about balancing the relaxed with the sophisticated; the classic with the modern. They are designed to stay in your wardrobe, and be built on each season.
When you aren't designing clothes, what are you doing? Music always inspires me, so I try to get to gigs when I can. I love being at home with my partner on Sundays in the sun, playing records with a good drink in hand, a new magazine and my beloved cat on my lap. I clear my head with walks on the beach - summer or winter. I'm also really into ceramics, and would love to have more time for hobbies like that, but a new business can be quite consuming.
Describe your style Like most of us these days, I'm busy and I need my clothes to take me anywhere. I'm drawn to classic, clean lines, and I like to mix it up with an undone rock'n'roll edge. In one word - Shjark.
What is your favourite place in the world? I've done a lot of travelling, and I always used to be on a mission in search of the best beach in the world. Then I realised they are right here in New Zealand. What is your daily source of inspiration? My partner is a photographer and artist; he is always inspiring me with his beautiful work.
What is on your playlist at the moment? I love a range of music from The Kills, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Queens of the Stone Age to Nick Cave, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. I have had Ben Howard on repeat all week.
Where are you travelling to next? I'm planning to get back to Japan soon. Shjark is hugely influenced by Japanese style.