Playing on her love of Asian culture and fashion, this season finds Morrinsville based designer Annah Stretton returning to the Orient to explore the Japanese practice of Irezumi - the intricate art of full-body tattoo.

For Autumn/Winter 2009, the designer has found a specific focus in the symbols of the Nishikigoi (known as Koi or Brocaded Carp) and the Chrysanthemum.

"This theme has enabled me to take the colour and drama that signifies the Annah Stretton collections to a new level. I've always been fascinated by the skill, dedication and beauty in real-life wearers of tattoos; in fact it's only in the last few years that I have definitely decided not to get one!" Stretton says.Playing on her love of Asian culture and fashion, this season finds Morrinsville based designer Annah Stretton returning to the Orient to explore the Japanese practice of Irezumi - the intricate art of full-body tattoo.

For Autumn/Winter 2009, the designer has found a specific focus in the symbols of the Nishikigoi (known as Koi or Brocaded Carp) and the Chrysanthemum.

"This theme has enabled me to take the colour and drama that signifies the Annah Stretton collections to a new level. I've always been fascinated by the skill, dedication and beauty in real-life wearers of tattoos; in fact it's only in the last few years that I have definitely decided not to get one!" Stretton says.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Between 4am-9am

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Romantic/Pop/left of centre

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
The colour/drama/great fits

How does your environment affect your work?
Everything around me has an impact

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Big picture first, details second

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Get a point of difference and know your market.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
My publishing ventures and charitable alignments

Who or what has inspired you recently?
My Partner

How did you get started in fashion?
An opportunity arose, so I took it. Right Place, Right Time.

Describe your collection and what inspired it.
The art of Irezumi, Japanese body tattoo

How much work goes into showing at fashion week?
Lots

What tips do you have for designers aspiring to show at fashion week?
Enlist good sponsorship

What are your plans for the future? What do you see yourself and your label doing five years from now?
USA and UK

What are your hopes for the future of the New Zealand fashion industry?
Survival of our truly more artist labels

What challenges does the industry face?
Creative's aren't business savvy, there are too many falling by the wayside.

Why is fashion week an important event for the New Zealand fashion industry?
It's an opportunity to show on a global and a domestic stage

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
I wouldn't

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
My Hahei beach house.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
End of day, with my partner, my dogs and a great Sauvignon.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A Flag

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
I don't stress, simply move on and learn from what happened.

What's great about today?
Everything, I love my life and the people that surround me.

What's your big idea for 2008?
A great cafe and a hugely successful Magazine.

Related story

TBI Fashion Week Feature

10/02/08