Claudia Osner

Lying among long flutes of soft green grass, she opens her eyes to an endless azure of sky. A warm breeze caresses her cheeks and birds sing melodies, each one unalike. She props herself up onto her elbows, curious as to where this dream has taken her. Captured in serenity, she comes to her feet. Although alone, a sense of strength and confidence empowers her as she walks through this magical place.

The sun favours that which is open to its light. Reaching the edge of the glade she looks back. Like her skin soaking in the sun’s rays, her spirit absorbs the richness of the colourful pallet that awoke her. Now moving through the valley the world comes alive beneath her feet. The supple carpet of moss twist and wind shapes of a catwalk for her to stride resolutely on this earth. Her body sashays and meanders over the rise and falls of the valley. Once where water flowed, now shapes her leafy runway. As the roots of the trees guide her further and the light of the sun gleams through her hair, she knows nature is her foundation.

- The Dell

The inspiration for my Resene garment began for me with the colour I was given, Resene Dell, and when I found out what the meaning of my paint name was. Something I am really passionate as I hope to become a young designer is being able to care for the environment while doing what I love. A sustainable way of living is in my opinion a very important choice that we as young people should be making.

Looking at the soft green colour of my silk this is the idea I connected with and was able to recognise a strong theme. Additionally, my paint name, ‘Resene Dell’, means a valley among trees. Painting an instant picture in my mind of a lush, green landscape, I am reminded when I am fully surrounded by nature, such as a run through a local forest, I feel completely at ease.

The air is clean, it is quiet and tranquil. Everything you see looks just the way it is supposed to, it has a raw and organic flow. It makes sense that humans feel so at peace when immersed in a natural environment, I believe it is deeply rooted within us to be outside. With this emotion in mind I began to think about the different hues and shapes one would come across. Remarkable trees, leaves, branches and roots, rolling hills, grassy banks and valleys, and each with one thing in common - growth. The very essence inside all of us is growth and we must surrender to it and let it flow through us, moving us along. Resene Dell is a symbol of lushness and abundance.

My garment is a pleated jumpsuit with a built in waistband and hip-bag. With a high neck the collar is supported with boning to hold the shape I want to create. It features exaggerated flared sleeves with sunray pleating to help create movement and flow. The bodice is cinched to her waist before being sewn into the waistband, and it features small embroidered detailing on the front and back to create contrast and texture. The legs are also pleated from the waistband and fall straight down to add weight.

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2018

Find out more   Return to gallery