CREATED BY TWO FRIENDS WITH A PASSION FOR COMFY, STYLISH LINEN CLOTHING
17blonde is the newest local fashion label in town, with a linen feel we love! This uber cool brand has been created by two friends with a passion for comfy but stylish linen clothing, both ladies wanting to support a New Zealand made range.
For Lianne it was a natural extension to her Martinborough home-wares store ‘Scarlet’ for Debbie it was about potentially having a change of direction from her busy corporate life in Wellington and facing the sometimes tedious commute over the Rimutaka’s every day.
"The name ‘17blonde’ came about after a few Friday night wines…being the year 2017 (and we were finally going to do it, we had talked about it for so long) and both of us being blonde (yes a blonde moment!)..It had a fun feel to it" - Debbie & Lianne tell us.
17BLONDE EMILY TOP WITH LINEN SLOUCH PANTS
STYLES WITH A CASUAL CHARM THAT GETS BETTER WITH EACH WEAR
"We have acquired a love for wearing natural fibre garments, the comfort benefits are huge.. linen is strong, breathable, moisture retentive but quick drying, it is antibacterial, stain resistant and has a casual charm that just gets better with each wash & wear. Our advice is don’t iron your linen, just wash it, hang it, wear it & enjoy it”!.
The girls set about sourcing good quality linen & cotton from Europe and engaged a Wellington company to produce their designs, which had to be about clothes they'd love to wear themselves and with the average New Zealand women in mind.
"We've been excited and encouraged by the support and feedback from our first run of garments…”customers have been saying how comfortable and easy to wear they are” says Lianne.
17BLONDE FREYA DRESS
IT'S AN EXCITING JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY!
Along with selling their designs through Scarlet in Martinborough an online presence is a must these days, so a website www.17blonde.co.nz and social media pages on facebook & instagram have all been developed…the ladies have already been approached by a few boutique stores around the country wanting to stock 17blonde, which is flattering, they're taking their time though, " We need to walk before we can run…and at the moment we are still using walking sticks!"
With no previous experience in the rag trade the 17blonde team have enlisted the very best to help guide them through…"and we aren’t taking ourselves too seriously", says Debbie “it’s an exciting journey of self discovery, with lots of lessons being learnt along the way”
"The big thing is that this has to be fun or we won’t do it…..so far it’s been a blast!"
FREYA DRESS IN POWDER BLUE
Come check out 17blonde…at Scarlet on Kitchener St OPEN Wednesday-Sunday
ALSO visit the POP UP SHOP
‘17blonde’ SUMMER CLOTHING COLLECTION
SATURDAY OCTOBER 21st, 5 Ferry Rd Martinborough from 12pm til 4pm
. Come and have a browse
The ladies will also be at the following markets:
RATHKEALE CHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday 11th November 9am-4pm Masterton
MARTINBOROUGH FAIRS 2018 at Scarlet 8am-4pm 4 Kitchener St Martinborough
