Designer DETAIL - Ginger & Smart
Ginger & Smart is a label for the modern woman who loves to be noticed.
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Founded in 2002 by Sydney-based sisters Genevieve and Alexandra Smart, Ginger & Smart is a distinct and inspiring label that spans fashion, luxury accessories and spa products and was created from a desire to combine family talent and build a strong lifestyle brand.
Alexandra's creative business background as an Editor and Publisher for luxury lifestyle magazines, books and the internet combined with Genevieve's years spent at the helm of Lisa Ho as Senior Designer and her grounding with Australian swimwear and fashion luminaries Zimmermann, their united industry knowledge covers every possibility and probability.
Predominantly known for their luxe candles and leather goods in the early days, this brand is now a serious fashion player in the Australian market and is growing internationally. Always sophisticated and sharply modern, 'Luxury Escape' is the strict style mantra for each collection. Luxe, eclectic materials reflect the opposing forces they seek to work with.
Leather, cashmere, silk and fine cotton represent strength and vulnerability, the hard and soft design elements that are the foundations of this brand. Dynamic prints and bold, creative colours are also signature Ginger & Smart design elements.
For Spring/Summer 08/09 the Smart sisters are asking us to embrace our inner global warrior and walk a path that is new but not entirely unfamiliar. 'The Beauty and the Darkness' is once again inspired by contrast - the extremes of hard and soft, the feminine and the empowered aspects of a modern woman.
Dresses adorned with clusters of cut out, feather-like silk, slouchy pants, clever tops and trenches are made in opposing fabrics; tech coated cottons see natural fabrics take on patent looks, silk is washed out and treated or shot with nylon thread to make it shine.
Always strong on accessories, Ginger & Smart belts and shoes are a must. Highly textural, finished pieces adorned with soft leather pom-poms or tasseled leather trims are a beautiful way to add texture and interest to any outfit.
Techno gladiator flats feature leather pleats and ropes that twist up the claves to the knees. Ginger & Smart have always had a love affair with high-waisted belts and this season is no exception, with heavy-duty rope coiling the waists of a lucky few.
Colours of the desert, the sunset on the road, dusky evenings, midnight skies and citrus mornings are the hues of the collection. Just the right shade of violet is a stand out along with a cute black and white graphic print with pink hits that features rows of what looks like your favourite sunglasses.
Ginger & Smart's two retail stores are chic and have been created as welcoming havens that reinforce the core conviction of the 'Luxury Escape'. Available in over 100 boutiques in Australia, including David Jones and with over 40 leading international stockists including Matches, UK; Cara and Co., Russia; Lane Crawford, Hong Kong; Elizabeth Charles, New York and American Rag, LA this is one Aussie label setting their sights on world domination!
Visit www.gingerandsmart.com
