Rosebery, NSW -- (SBWire) -- 10/25/2011 --The exuberant Australian artist, Florence Broadhurst, is the creative ignition to this season’s bold colors and gloriously uplifting prints. Prim with a rebellious edge the collection encapsulates this maverick artist’s spirit: delicious summer dresses and perfectly tailored short suits – fit for garden parties – are off-set by quirky cool accessories like neon-bright sandals and pop color clutches in zesty hues.
Delving into the Broadhurst archive, inspiration came, not only from the notoriously divine botany-derived prints but also from the artist herself.
Broadhurst’s colorful life – travelling on an ocean liner to Shanghai from Australia as part of the Globe Trotters acting troupe, then setting up a finishing school where she mingled with the height of society – is played out across the collection.
Sea flag colors and jaunty nautical stripes add a kick to svelte shift dresses and crisp A-line skirts. Luggage is utterly irresistible as retro suitcase shapes are embellished with Broadhurst’s bold Japanese Floral print. The statement bag for the season makes a splash; the New Bond Street Florence satchel bag, in flo coral sumptuous leather, exudes elegance with a wink of classic charm.
Pitch perfect for any day occasion are a procession of perky summer dresses in graphic chevrons, playful dots, and cascading floral prints. A delicate finishing touch is an octagonal lucite bracelet, which reflects Broadhurst’s geometric print.
Quirky phrases – ‘EAT CAKE FOR BREAKFAST’ and ‘PLAY HOOKY’ – paraded across T-shirts, bags and coin purses, nod to Broadhurst’s spirited sensibility. Other cheerful pieces include neon bow belts and a polka-dot print that on closer inspection is a whimsical tennis ball print.
Broadhurst was a “peacock and a chameleon – standing out while blending in” relays kate spade new york Creative Director, Deborah Lloyd. These polar traits translate into a palette that mixes subtle sky blue and fresh lawn green with boisterous eye popping pink and fluorescent coral.
Broadhurst’s attention to detail is epitomized by the surprising placement of print on the inside of a smart beige trench, or around the frame of sunglasses. The more vivacious girl can dress up her home with china, bedding, and stationery all bedecked with Broadhust’s famous prints – lending a graphic twist to every aspect of her life.
Kate Spade New York – Spring 2012
A collection inspired by Australian Artist Florence Broadhurst