Cybéle Is Back
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This is not a drill... Cybéle is back and relaunching at The Shelter today! It may have been a few years since we've seen a collection from the local namesake designer, but the time has come and we couldn't be more excited.
After taking a few years away from releasing collections, Cybéle is back with her first range since SS15/16. Damascena AW19 is a refreshing look at the direction Cybéle is taking. Expect to see dashes of bright colour, subtle prints and striking silhouettes. Ahead of her launch we asked her a few questions to give you an insight into what she's been up to, what she's looking forward to, and a bit about the collection.
Left: Azimuth Top, Axis Pant. Center: Axis Trench Dress. Right: Memory Dress
After a brief hiatus, you're now back on the scene and kicking it off with a bang. How does it feel to have your new collection out in the open?
'It's exciting to have this creative outlet back in my life and to be immersed in a new collection. Best of all has been the wonderful messages i've received from people who are also excited about the news!'
For so many years your namesake brand was worn an loved by many around the country and world. What did you find yourself filling your time with while on the break?
'I've had the honour and privilege to be able to spend time with my three beautiful children. They are 10, 7 and 4 so there is never a dull moment! I never quite gave up my precious work room altogether. I've had a steady stream of requests for made to order and special limited edition projects to keep me busy. I did a stint of part-time lecturing which was a great experience and managed to fit in a few short term contract roles within the industry as well.;
What can people expect from your returning collection? Will it have a similar feel to that of your previous designs?
'Each collection has its own identity, palette, prints and details - so from that point of view it is different and new. At the same time, design for me is very much about evolution, so every piece I make has roots somewhere in my archive.'
Re-entering the market, is there anything you're going to do differently this time around?
'The operation as a whole is a lot more boutique in scale than it once was. This allows for a lot more flexibility as there is less of a machine to feed. The industry has changed dramatically, even in 5 years, and is virtually unrecognisable from what it was when I started the brand in 2002. I am extremely fortunate to have 17 years of industry and life experience that I didn't have back then!'
Where did you find inspiration for your latest collection? And could you describe the 'Cybéle' woman?
'I always have multiple reference points that are woven together to form the inspiration for a collection. Damascena takes it's name from an artwork by Dutch artist herman de vries, '108 pound rosa damascena', a circular carpet of rosebuds emanating an overwhelming scent, designed to evoke sensory memories from its audience. That idea of artificial or provoked sensory perception is a key theme in the 1977 short story by sci-fi author William Gibson, 'Fragments of a Hologram Rose'. It is the tale of a jilted ex-lover trying to get sleep in a dark, polluted city by way of fragmented sections of artificial sense-recordings. The visual of the Hologram Rose became the key print for the collection. It has a glitchy feel as though screen-grabbed from a flickering computer screen, a poignant moment from imagined cyberpunk feature where nature is bound to technology and the idea of plants and flowers is nostalgic, depicted as the (un)reality of a hologram.
As for the Cybéle women, she is spirited and wise, free thinking and self assured.'
Lastly, we're so excited to have your pieces back in the streets, and most of all to have them in The Shelter. What are you most excited about for the re-launch?
'I'm really excited to be back in touch with my wonderful, loyal customer base and having something new to offer them. The Shelter is a beautiful space with a really inspiring philosophy, a top notch team of individuals and beautifully curated mix of brands - what more could I ask for?!'
Left: Azimuth Dress. Center: Axis Trench Dress. Right: Damascena Dress.
With winter now settled in, we're all on the hunt for a few key pieces to see us through the season. Damascena AW19 is full of asymmetric cut dresses, statement outerwear and essential knits which will fit seamlessly into anyones wardrobe.
As many of us are so excited to have her back, for many of you this will be your first time meeting! Think timeless yet directional, feminine yet with a bold edge. She has always showcased cohesive and multi-faceted collections using distinctive custom prints, innovative cuts and a striking use of pattern. She was a regular at New Zealand Fashion Week and has been featured in key titles around New Zealand and abroad.
Few things will remain the same with her relaunch. We will still see the best quality fabrications turned into statement garments for your everyday wardrobe, each piece will be handmade in New Zealand by local makers, and her timeless styles will carry you through season after season, without being distracted by current trends.
Shop the full Cybele collection online here and in store now.
