In this Q&A we talk to Susan Taylor from the Department of the Exterior in Manuka. This year, Susan, who left a career in law to open her contemporary and innovative fashion store 13 years ago, will be curating a show at FASHFEST featuring New Zealand label NYNE.  OutInCanberra chats to Susan about the label and the show.

Why did you pick up the label NYNE?

NYNE is an upmarket, independent New Zealand made women’s fashion label based in Mount Maunganui. We stock it exclusively in Canberra. The aesthetic complements so many of the other labels we sell in our shop in Manuka and has strong appeal among our diverse customer base.

Who is behind the label?

Designers Tina Patrick, Miranda Dawson and Jacob Scott-Simmonds, who began the brand in 2004.

Describe the NYNE design aesthetic…

NYNE clothes are always about the wearer. Asymmetric shapes and fluid fabrics lend themselves to an uncomplicated layering of pieces. Collections are highly tactile, using tonal colour and texture to create a distinctly moody aesthetic and a skillful blend of contrasts.

What can people expect from NYNE at FASHFEST 2017?

The Spring/Summer 2018 season draws inspiration from Andy Warhol’s polaroid-based portrait series. The new collection includes a relaxed fit dress in drapey fabric with dropped sleeve, a relaxed slim-line pant with elasticated waist, a boxy short sleeve dress in crispy linen, with a low v neckline, a classic and timeliness linen shirt with a minimal feel and boxy sleeves designed to be rolled up if desired, and many other pieces. And we love their relaxed print t-shirt which features a minimal flower print and a collage print.

What are you looking forward to most about FASHFEST?

This is NYNE’s first appearance at FASHFEST and it will be great for The Department of the Exterior to showcase the label on the catwalk. We’ve always loved New Zealand labels. We put on our very first fashion show at the New Zealand High Commission and have always had a passion for design from that part of the world. This season’s collection will look amazing on the catwalk, especially the print featuring what looks like collaged torn paper.

What do you love most about NYNE?

How it can be worn by women of all ages, by anyone who loves a quality piece of clothing that is comfortable, stylish and well designed, garments that are timeless and never seem to fade. We love how the label can be dressed up or down and how NYNE clothing looks just as fantastic on a size 8 as it does a size 16. It’s such a versatile label. The Department of Exterior will present NYNE on the FASHFEST catwalk on closing night, Saturday 30 September, at 9pm. For the full program and tickets, visit fashfest.com.au and don’t forget to mark the after party at QT Canberra in your diary.