This week, we sat down with Designer-Maker Amy Dunn following the announcement of her A/W 2017 collection that will be shown at the iD Dunedin Fashion Show. Amy launched her design career at last year’s iD event after being selected to show her graduate collection. This year she’s back with her new collection Pulling Strings ’17. The holistic nature of Amy’s designing makes her an inspiring example to the slow fashion movement. We can’t wait to share what she has in store, read her animated interview below.

Tell us about Amy Dunn as a brand, what is the story that drives your label?

Amy Dunn is a Dunedin based fashion label that represents function, quality and originality. Being locally made, I value slow fashion, depending upon high quality natural fibres to create garments that are timeless and easy to wear. My ambition is to appeal to an intergenerational audience through my versatile aesthetic. I want to create ageless garments that could be pulled off by the three generations of women in my family! (who are dressmakers and super inspiring)

How did you come to define your aesthetic?

In terms of aesthetic I decided to focus on exactly what I personally like to wear and expanded on that. This is comfy, drapey, minimal, layered and timeless. I also find myself getting bored of clothing quickly which is what inspired me to ensure my designs have the ability to be worn in slightly different ways. My Mum has a background in dressmaking and also shares this aesthetic so I use her as inspiration and to bounce ideas off.

How does being a designer-maker influence your designs in terms of process?

At the moment I am pretty small scale so I don’t really have limitations in terms of how I am constructing my garments. I don’t have to simplify my designs to be produced in bulk, which means they are more one-off and unique!

Amy Dunn 'Pulling Strings '17' - Photography by Thamarat Saikerdsri with Modelling by Sophie Demant

Tell us about your new collection, what can we expect to see at this year’s iD Dunedin Fashion Show?

Pulling Strings ‘17 is a trans-seasonal collection that focuses on the wearer’s ability to adjust and play with their garments. The ties and other adjustable detailing that feature throughout the collection allow customers to manipulate their silhouette, changing the look as they desire. To me, this makes clothing more valuable, wearable and timeless. I chose to use a palette of earthy tones such as greens, greys, creams and rusts, along with a botanical inspired print made up of lines reminiscent of ‘strings’. The collection is made up of silk, viscose, merino, and linen, echoing my love for fluid natural fibres.

What does iD Fashion Week mean to you and what other New Zealand fashion designers are you looking forward to seeing this year?

As emerging designers it’s a great opportunity to present our work to local (and some international!) industry experts. I always love to check out Mild Red’s new season, and the guest designers are always exciting!

What is your advice to any fashion designer looking at starting a business?

Start by setting out a plan with goals that you want to achieve within a certain timeframe, but also set a limit so that you don’t end up with too much to cover. Small steps first, so that you can learn what you need to focus on to manage and achieve the bigger steps! Also don’t be afraid to ask questions – call and email people, I find that I always find out more info than what I was originally after.

Hear more from Amy by following her on social media!

Instagram: @amydunndesign

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amydunndesign

Amy Dunn | iD Fashion Week 2017