FashionRunway & Backstage

We Are Kindred Resort ’19 Ready to Wear Behind The Scenes

Photography by Saskia Wilson

We step into a world a-flurry with seamstresses, design assistants and models, walls pinned with casting shots, styling references and fabric swatches alike. Designers Lizzie and Georgie are busy finessing a seam, meticulously refining the final touches on a delicately embroidered blush cocktail dress, a key piece for their Resort ’19 collection. Theres an electricity and energy in the room, a buzz and excitement as each look is styled and finalised ready for runway.

For a moment of reflection, the sister duo behind We Are Kindred take five with us to talk all things the collection, creative collaborations and florals (always) ahead of their Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show.

Tell us about the collection…

We are so proud of it – the collection is called ‘Nouveau Fleur’ and is a real celebration of all things beautiful.

Teaming up with stylist Marina Didovich for the show has really been amazing in regards to bringing our vision to life and we’ve collaborated with Sarah J Curtis for bespoke, hand-painted hats and incredible jewellery from Chelsea De Luca.

What inspired the collection?

We drew inspiration from the art nouveau period and concentrated on how the movement drew its inspiration from flora and nature. Aside from the prints, the inspiration is seen in intricate line work and panelling, beautiful and exaggerated hem and necklines, and the juxtaposition of symmetry / asymmetry in silhouettes.

Tell us about the fabrications, cuts and prints of the collection…

This collection really sees us broaden our range of fabrications – expect to see cotton broderies, luxe silks, exciting embossed organza and appliqué florals.

Shapes are a little more dramatic this season – expect fluid ruffles in longer length maxi dresses. We are also showing black for the first time (floral of course!), sheer silk anoraks over timeless swimwear, floor sweeping gowns and belted party dresses. You’ll also see sheer layering, a touch of 80’s prom, high shine fabrications and unexpected colour combinations.

How do you approach designing a new range? What is your process?

We always start our design process by workshopping print ideas and a colour palette for the season… from this the theme and overall essence of the collection evolves. Once we have chosen prints, we start sketching. Then we edit, edit and edit again!

Directory

Vacation Wear

Find our handpicked edit of Vacation wear for your next holiday on the Directory.

How do you see the We Are Kindred girl wearing your pieces?

What we love about Kindred is the different takes on it and how many ways you can incorporate it into your wardrobe. Not everyone is up for a head to toe floral look (although many are and should be!), in this case we love the thought of our girl toughening up our florals with denim and leather.

In our office we all wear Kindred every day – with a trainer, an ankle boot or a great jean or denim jacket. Our girl also loves a party dress that makes her feel feminine and sophisticated, and also loves to have a lot of fun.  We call our aesthetic ‘sexy pretty’.

What’s next for We Are Kindred?

Once we take a tiny breath after fashion week, it will be back to designing our AW ’19 collection! We have a lot of really exciting things in the pipeline – mainly international expansion. We are currently in the midst of organising a Kindred event in LA for buyers and celebrities, it will be beautiful so we can’t wait!