Elisabeth Clink

Enfant terrible

Resene Pukeko is described as a bold clear deep rich violet, and once seen it simply can't be ignored. Well known for their reckless dashes across New Zealand roads, pukeko are also highly territorial, noisy, stubborn, sexually fluid mischievous characters.Their basic assault on expectations and propriety combined with the pulsing effect of Resene Pukeko brought immediately to mind the French phrase “enfant terrible” -- an unruly badly behaved child who embarrasses elders and peers with their terrifying candidness. It also describes a striking and often offensive artistic genius, who may say and do as he/she pleases without hesitation, much to others’ dismay (and possibly secret delight and envy).

Like the exotically vibrating Resene Pukeko and the bird itself, enfant terrible presents an outfit just as strange, uneasy and riveting. Its slightly garish and flashy display in the oversized puff sleeves and front and back plunges is the icing that sits on a full flouncy skirt which, like a Pukeko tail, bobs up and down in animation with every awkward long-legged yet determined step.

With Resene Pukeko, I envision enfant terrible to be worn in the deep neon-lit night streets of Tokyo. By the colour and playful silhouette one is transfigured into the futurist black swan of the evening, a party girl princess extraordinaire, daring and driven by a nameless impulse, riding roughshod over every sensibility and sending all hackles raised. One almost certainly will be lying in the gutter looking at the stars by night’s end, but after a quick rest will pop up like a party favour, tightly wrap on one’s hood and never look back – until next time.

Enfant Terrible is a lined dress with large puff sleeves, a slight drop waist, princess seam panels and full gathered short skirt with an additional fuller segment at the centre back. The skirt is supported by a tulle underskirt. The back and front both feature deep plunging faced necklines. There is an invisible side zip, and invisible zips on the cuff sleeve seams which end part way into the puff sleeves. The hood is a separate piece with long ties and pompom shapes at panel princess lines the ends.

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2018

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