Silver Ferns Step-Out In Stylish Suit

11 September, 2006

Silver Ferns Step-Out In Stylish Trench Coat Suit

Temepara George, Maria Tutaia and Anna Scarlett were selected for the
cat-walk rather than the court this morning, to model the Silver Ferns’ new
off-court look.

The 3 glamorous netballers were the first to see the uniform the team will wear to official events from October.

It’s traditionally referred to in sporting circles as “Number ones” but conservative is an unlikely description for the ‘Trench Coat Suit’.

“The finished product is stunning. Temepara, Maria and Anna looked very stylish. We’re impressed with the level of detail that has gone into each garment”, said Netball New Zealand CEO, Shelley McMeeken.

In July, Netball New Zealand commissioned Vicki Taylor of Auckland’s Taylor Boutique to design a “modern” suit for the team. Vicki was honoured to be asked.

“The Silver Ferns stand for some very positive values such as success, commitment, high achievement, camaraderie and a healthy lifestyle and it’s such a privilege to clothe them”, said Vicki Taylor.

The Team is also excited about having garments that are not only stylish but individually fitted.

“It was really important to us that the garments were made in New Zealand and to have the expertise of a top New Zealand designer like Vicki Taylor working with our Ferns is fantastic”, said Netball New Zealand CEO, Shelley McMeeken.

Management will wear the suit more often than the players so they have an extra top - a black one with white detailing and a dark grey one with 3/4 sleeves.

“We now have the latest fabrics and technological garments both on and off the court”.

Vicki Taylor submitted two jacket designs, a more traditional one and the fashion forward ‘trench coat design’. Netball New Zealand approved the trench without hesitation.

“The trench gives the suit an edge and flexibility that a traditional
corporate jacket can’t provide. It’s the highlight for me it’s stylish and so feminine”, said Vicki Taylor.

Merger of function and design:

“A suit uniform for the Silver Ferns had to represent their brand. It had to look great, perform well and be enduring”.

Rather than reaching for the sketch book Vicki started with a note pad and a ‘must meet criteria’ list.

- innovative and modern
- sharp and tailored
- transcend seasonal styling, last for years
- uniformly the same but tailored to the individual
- flexibility to achieve different looks for various events
- versatility to be comfortable in different climates
- look good in real life, media shots, day or night, after long flight
- best fabrics for look, quality and durability
- fabrics already tried and tested on our market

“It was an unlikely marriage between function and fashion, the suit had to multi-task; I believe we’ve ticked off everything on the list without compromising on style or necessity”.

The Trench Coat Suit’s first official outing will be at a Parliamentary function before the Fisher & Paykel Test Series against Australia in mid-October.

Vicki Taylor’s garments, including this uniform, are all designed and manufactured in New Zealand. The retail locations are 20 Jervois Road, Ponsonby and 1 Teed St, Newmarket, Auckland City.

ENDS

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