Cover Story
Notes from New Zealand
In Conversation with Wynn Crawshaw of Wynn Hamlyn
3 Minute Read
Wynn Hamlyn is a welcome addition to the Harrolds wardrobe. With a vested interest in rich tapestries, cutting-edge craftsmanship and butter-soft merino wool, it’s no surprise the label hails from the bucolic, lush abounds of New Zealand.
Today, we take two with the maestro behind the eponymous brand. Wynn walks us through his NZ genesis, why quality materials matter and ways to style the latest trans-seasonal, knit drops from the wearable label.
The latest collection from Wynn Hamlyn strikes a balance of playful palettes and relaxed textiles, coupled with feminine elegance. But what exactly makes this brand’s philosophy unique?
A prolific part of our design ethos is sustainability. We’re committed to premium craftsmanship, longevity and ethical manufacturing.
“Our design ethos is built around craft and curiosity. I always like to add some sense of nostalgia to collections, referring back to traditional knit stitches or adding details reminiscent of a byone time or place I’ve seen.”
“A prolific part of our design ethos is sustainability. We’re committed to premium craftsmanship, longevity and ethical manufacturing.”
Wynn Hamlyn is proudly designed in New Zealand, a microcosm of considered, clever, enriching fashion houses, awe-inducing vistas and rich materials sourced from a bountiful land.
“This drives our desire to support and strengthen the local industry. We make conscious and informed decisions to source high-quality fabrications as well as working with ethically aligned local and offshore manufacturers,” says Wynn.
Showing an intimate attention to shape and silhouette, Wynn creates harmony between the classic and the eccentric. From the label’s signature knit-wear through to slip dresses and tailored blazers, the collection establishes a parallel between bold and soft colour selections, bridging the gap between moods and occasions. But how do the brand’s origins so intrinsically influence the garments it pedals?
“Growing up rurally in the [Bay of Plenty, New Zealand] gave me a strong sense of practicality. I was always making and building things and so now when we are designing garments, I’m intrinsically considering this.
Supporting local and a diverse inclusion of people has always been central to the Wynn Hamlyn brand and this is something that we feel extremely strongly about.
The modern Wynn Hamlyn wearer is a design maven, preoccupied with the finer details and finishing touches. They mine for ‘forever pieces’ that fuse easy wearability with expertly-crafted quality. Wynn narrows it down to “beautiful architectures that give a directional sense of style without complication.”
Beyond textures, silhouettes and modern style, it’s important to question the deeper mission embedded in the Wynn Hamlyn wardrobe. We’re living in a highly political climate, with 2020 issues such as consumption, fast fashion and industry diversity raising important questions for the future direction of labels everywhere. Is Wynn making strides to a more inclusive fashion landscape?
“Yes, we are. Supporting local and a diverse inclusion of people has always been central to the Wynn Hamlyn brand and this is something that we feel extremely strongly about. Of course, we continually improve here – creating inclusivity beyond our brand imagery and content. Collection-wise, we are now designing smaller, capsule ranges – creating fewer pieces that really speak to who we are as a brand with the intention that our customers will buy and love our collection for seasons to come.”
When it comes to trans-seasonal dressing in the label’s newest pieces, Wynn advocates for simplicity and situation-focused styling. For the modern woman working from home, Wynn prescribes the Double Breasted Beam Blazer for a certifiably Zoom-proof top half.
If she is re-entering society for Date Night, he suggests to slip on “the Moon Mini Dress for something excitable to take you into the night. Or, for a more relaxed but glamorous look, go for the Beam Buckle Trousers paired-back well with sleek, ribbed knitwear.”
The latest collection from Wynn Hamlyn strikes a balance of playful palettes and relaxed textiles, coupled with feminine elegance. Tour the new drop now at Harrolds.
