Designer Emilia Wickstead reveals Air New Zealand’s new uniform at the airline’s Auckland headquarters. Video \ Jason Dorday
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has made a guest appearance at Kiwi designer Emilia Wickstead’s latest fashion launch in London.
Wickstead, whose clients include the Princess of Wales and whose designs will soon be worn by Air New Zealand staff, launched her Little Girls Dresses collection ather Sloane St, Chelsea boutique on Wednesday.
Ardern was the guest of honour and read aloud from her own children’s creation, her book Mum’s Busy Work.
The book has been touted as “an inspiring and heartwarming book about the relationship between a working mum and her daughter” and was released in September this year.
Wickstead and Ardern have been friends for many years, first meeting after the latter stepped into the role of Prime Minister.
Dame Jacinda Ardern reads from her new book Mum's Busy Work, which was released in September. Photo / Emilia Wickstead Facebook
“This particular event is especially meaningful to me as a New Zealander. I’m incredibly proud to celebrate someone of such global significance, someone whose leadership, warmth and compassion have touched people across the globe,” Wickstead told Women’s Wear Daily.
“Beyond her public leadership, it feels very personal and special to honour her as a mother and author with her amazing new book.”
Fashion designer Emilia Wickstead has launched a new collection.
Wickstead said the book “captures the warmth, imagination, and heart that so many admire” in Ardern in her public life.
“It is an important message about the realities and challenges faced by working mothers and a reminder that love is shown in action, not just words,” she said.
“As a founder, creative director, and most importantly, mother, it resonates deeply with me.”
Dame Jacinda Ardern is surrounded by youngsters during the event in London. Photo / Emilia Wickstead Facebook
Wickstead said the author and mother of one had supported her “through the years”.
She noted Ardern had “previously worn us for her Forces of Change Vogue cover story”.
“And for her United Nations speech in New York, to which she arrived carrying an orator’s comb, gifted to her by Ngati Rehia in New Zealand, and which was a very symbolic cultural moment in Parliament,” she said.
Air New Zealand revealed the new Wickstead-designed uniforms in April.
Emilia Wickstead’s recently renovated Sloane St store in London. Photo / Supplied
Wickstead was born and raised in Auckland and has said her love of design and fashion was inspired by her mother, who ran a made-to-measure clothing business.
At 14, Wickstead moved to Italy and went on to study fashion design and marketing before launching her career in New York at American Vogue and at fashion houses Narciso Rodriguez and Proenza Schouler.
In 2008, at the age of 24, she relocated to London, where she started her business from her flat.
Catherine, Princess of Wales (right) wearing a Wickstead design in 2013.
