Designer Jane Sutherland. Image supplied.
Jane Sutherland established her eponymous womenswear label in the rural town of Kingston on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in 2004. It’s a stunning but somewhat isolating place to create fashion but it’s where Jane turned her love of making jewellery into designing unique clothing that includes her signature metalwork details. Her distinctive style has built a loyal following for her brand who appreciate Jane’s androgynous approach to dressing and attention to detail.
We caught up with Jane to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
I’m no longer working with the traditional seasons, instead I’m introducing mini transeasonal collections more regularly and limited edition and one-off pieces amongst my collections. The latest spring collection has big pops of unexpected colour – hot pink/emerald green and cognac are mixed with the every present black and tinges of handcrafted metalwork.
What made you become a designer?
It stemmed from my background in jewellery and love of textiles – I one day merged the two together. In the beginning it was metal designs I handcrafted, also constructing the little screws and nuts by hand and finding a way to attach these to black tshirts.
What inspires you?
A vast number of things – music/film/artists/art – my eyes and what they see everywhere I look – I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth – its natural beauty is inspiring.
Look from Jane Sutherland’s latest range.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I would have to say low-key casual with a touch of a tomboy. I love tailoring dressed up or down. This influences my designs as less is more.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
A Keith Richards silver skull ring by the creators Courts and Hackett in London.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A great coat.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Anything goes – as long as you feel 100 % comfortable when you walk out the door.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There has been a few but I think the fact that I have created a career in fashion and design living in the location that I do – being isolated and running solo has its ups and downs but can be extremely challenging.
What can’t you live without?
My son Victor and my family.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
I know they are comfortable and they kind of are growing on me with new styles they are bringing out – but I just can’t get my head around crocs! Friends aren’t allowed them inside our house, it’s a thing!
Looks from Jane Sutherland’s latest range.
Images by Still Vision Photography.