Top gallery accepts Hamilton designers

Hamilton fashion designers, Jillian and Angela Thompson are tapping into the world market by displaying their clothes at cutting edge Auckland gallery, Curate.

Curate, in Britomart, showcases and works as a department store of New Zealand designer fashion.

Acceptance by the gallery means the Hamilton designers’ autumn/winter collection, Treason, will hang alongside such well-known names as Sabatini, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Salasai, Cybele, Neverblack,  Sheryl May, and the Hong Kong based kiwi design house Louche.

Jillian said they are excited about getting into the Auckland scene as they have a strong following there.

“It would be good to get into Auckland because we sell so many clothes to people that come down especially for it, and is probably the fashion centre of New Zealand.”

They got the opportunity to expand after they met the husband of Curate creator, Jill Blomfield, who was looking to take on more labels.

“We met Paul Blomfield 12 years ago in Sydney when he was a PR collective for six designers and he took our photo. He had a good memory.”

The Thompson sisters said once they are established in Auckland they hope to branch out Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

“As designers we just want to carry on making – here in New Zealand – very wearable yet uniquely styled clothing of the finest quality for women to enjoy.”

Their new Autumn/Winter collection called “Treason” was inspired by medieval England and the Norman rulers.

“Angela is a great reader of historical novels and history, history is her passion,” Jillian says.

Their target audience is women in the ages 25-55, but Angela believes any woman of any age could wear their clothing.

“A woman of any age can and does wear Jill&Ange clothing – it’s just a matter of the right attitude and sense of flair.”