Designer DETAIL - Deborah Sweeney

Rock out with your frock out - Deborah Sweeney’s Winter 08 collection hits a high note.

Winter 08 is set to go off with a bang – driven by a whole new style of dressing. Inspired by edgy guitar riffs, rock’n’roll and even a little ZZ Top, next season is all about living in 6 String Heaven, and the talented Deborah Sweeney is leading the rock revolution.

Cross-Continental

Born and bred in Wellington, New Zealand, Deborah Sweeney’s life in the world of design began with a Fashion Diploma from Massey University in 1991.

“I went on to work in the industry both locally and internationally for 10 years before establishing my own label,” Deborah says. “In New Zealand I worked firstly as a Merchandiser and then as a Buyer for a women's retail chain. After about 4 years I moved overseas and took a design position in New York working for Jill Stuart. I then went on to London designing for High St stores such as Topshop and H&M.”

Urban Thrills

Deborah career continued to grow in leaps and bounds during a stint living in London.

“I started selling accessories initially in London in 2001, where I had completed a handbag course at the London Royal College of Fashion. While working in London in the fashion industry, I sold my own line from Spitalfields Market each Sunday. Eventually, I approached boutiques with my accessories, left my full-time job, and went out on my own. I returned home to New Zealand in 2002 and from here, I added clothing to the range and have continued to export ever since,” Deborah says.

Dynamic Duo

The originality and freshness of Deborah’s prints and textiles is all down to her partnership with husband Niels Meyer-Westfeld, who joined the label full-time in 2004.

“My husband Niels is a talented graphic designer/artist, and with our combined skills we are able to create individual fabrics through designing our own prints and graphics. Niels completed a Masters degree at St Martins in London, and has worked for top companies such as Topshop and MTV.”

Entering 6 String Heaven – the Winter 08 collection.

The rock revival is here - key pieces prime for wardrobe addition include the all in one waistcoat dress, transparent poncho with bright zippers, leather t-back vest and metallic gold bodysuit.

Metallic trimmed leather handbags, guitar buckled belts and eagle embroidered trucker caps accessorize the collection. This season’s precious jewels by Silke Heuer for Deborah Sweeney include silver guitar pendants and amber acorn necklaces.

“I am loving the gold bodysuit - though am not so brave as to wear it alone - I would probably be more likely to layer it under the black mirage dress. I have had a lot of wear out of our checkerboard knit dress as it’s a really comfortable easy style. I collaborate with Silke Heuer in London and this season she has produced some fantastic jewels. My personal favourite is the sterling silver guitar pendant necklace,” Deborah says.

Grand Plans

“We are keen to keep building on the markets we currently sell to and hoping to expand further through both Europe and Canada. Eventually we have plans to add further product lines and build our brand this way; however we are just taking things one step at a time,” Deborah concludes.

For more information on Deborah Sweeney, check out www.deborahsweeney.com for stockist details.