HR x Hansen & Gretel ~ Australian Fashion Week Resort 2023
Longtime friends of HR Jewellery, Hansen & Gretel, presented their Resort 2023 collection, 'Roots', at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week this month.
In a creative meeting of minds, Holly worked closely with Ainsley Hansen to produce jewellery pieces that compliment a vibrant collection that "pays homage to the many women we are - the past, present and future versions of ourselves".
We sat down with Ainsley and Holly to discover more...
Tell us about the inspiration for 'Roots' and the jewellery styles selected for the runway?
AH: Hansen and Gretel's design ethos has and will always encompass ‘femininity with a bite’ - cut to compliment the female form, but often underscored with a boyish accent. The synthesis of both masculine and feminine
AH: Through a patchwork of prints and textural elements, we rediscovered favourite silhouettes, created new life with deadstock fabric and intertwined the past with the now - this collection celebrates the evolution of the brand, but also the beginning. We celebrate our roots, never forgetting the power of them, the strength they bring within a woman’s coming of age and her continual expression and exploration of Self.
HR: The runway collection features styles from both our genderless collection, Reverence, and our latest ocean-inspired offering, El Agua Mágica, meaning 'The Magical Waters' in Spanish. The simplicity and fluid forms of our genderless Flow State and Synchronicity Necklaces are the perfect complement to both a bold, colourful print, and a timeless suit or black dress. With adjustable, interchangeable, responsibly sourced kangaroo leather straps, they are crafted from recycled solid Sterling Silver and 18ct Gold Plated Sterling Silver.
HR: Bold statements for the neck include the new She Shell Chain Necklace and Madeleine Necklace, with each link hand-soldered in our Coolum Beach studio. Perfectly paired with H&G's signature 70's-style knitwear and our asymmetric, swirling Nautilus Earrings, the shells are an ode to oceanic beauty and my childhood by the sea.
You've both worked together and supported each other over the years. What is it about your brands that supports this continued collaborative relationship?
HR: Being Australian owned, female-led businesses, we aim to support each other wherever we can. Our values align in terms of environmentally conscious, circular practices in both design and operation, something I've pioneered and advocated for since the conception of my business 12 years ago.
HR: Creating responsibly is a journey rather than a destination, and we are always striving to improve our processes. To me, creating sustainably means not overproducing and working ethically means having respect for makers. I believe waste is a design flaw and, as designers, we owe it to consumers to create considered pieces that are made transparently with circularity in mind.
HR: Every piece we produced for this runway show is one of my current HR designs, made from recycled precious metals and ethically sourced materials. They have all been cleaned, polished and are available for purchase through the HR website to be worn and cherished by their new owners for years to come.
SHOP H&G 'ROOTS' RUNWAY COLLECTION
Photographs by Maggie Shapter, Life Without Andy, Hansen & Gretel
