Founder and Designer of Miss Crabb, Kristine Crabb. Image supplied
Kristine Crabb, the designer and founder of beloved womenswear label Miss Crabb, announced today that her label is ceasing production and Miss Crabb’s flagship Ponsonby Road store will close at the end of March 2019. Miss Crabb has been a favourite of many Kiwi women for nearly 15 years with the brand known for its fluid silk pieces that drape and flatter.
The final Miss Crabb collection was also released in store and online today and is a day dream inspired range called Private Idaho. Miss Crabb’s current made-to-order service Dreams Top Rock will also be ceasing production with final orders being taken until 1st February 2019 which will be fulfilled by Kristine herself.
“This has been a huge decision for me, but since deciding to finish I feel calmly confident, even happy,” says Kristine Crabb. “Already I have more energy for life and I look forward to channel my creativity in to something new. Nonetheless, I have loved everything about this business. It’s been the most amazing journey that began with Rip Shit and Bust in 2001 on K Road and grew into Miss Crabb on Ponsonby Road in 2004 – it’s much more than a fashion label, it’s an art project, a state of mind and a ‘culty’ family; I have had three children along the way which has added another dimension to things. Now it’s time for the project to take on a new direction – just what that is, I am not sure!”
Over the years the designer has helped shape and influence the New Zealand fashion industry by challenging the status quo with her unique designs and alternative campaigns. Regarding herself as an artist as well as a designer and businesswoman she has created pieces that stand the test of time and are of high quality. Each piece is made in New Zealand with many of Miss Crabb’s suppliers being involved with the brand from the beginning. Kristine has always prided herself on the integrity of the garments with great attention paid to detail and finishing. Early on she adopted a free-form approach to sizing, designing many pieces so they could be worn by lots of different shapes and sizes with everyone from teenagers to grandmothers donning Miss Crabb. The brand has certainly come a long way since 2004 and for Kristine, the time is right for her own change.
“The industry has changed so much since I started. PR, branding and social media have become incredibly important and an amazing platform for fashion. But it’s almost more important than the clothes themselves, which doesn’t make sense to me anymore. I’m more interested in the way a piece is made and worn and becomes part of your life.”
“There are many incredible people who have contributed to the success of Miss Crabb, who I am truly grateful to. The people I have collaborated with, my amazing staff over the years and my inner circle of supporters who I turn to for advice and inspiration. And of course, our beautiful customers, who have kept Miss Crabb going all these years.”
“The business is not closing because it’s in a bad place, but because I need to refresh and put my energy into something different. The Miss Crabb ‘art project’ will take on the next phase – whatever that is!”
Miss Crabb’s flagship store will close its doors for the final time on 31st March 2019.
Images supplied.