Lucy Spencer

“I received the colour Resene Lakeside. When I picked it out of the bag, I thought nothing of it, other than it being a 'safe' colour. I was soon to realise that this colour surrounds my life. It's a colour that's always been there in my life; one I never paid mind to. I have always chased greens, oranges and purples growing up, so to get this colour was sort of a beautiful chance to acknowledge my personal growth.

To me, Resene Lakeside evokes a mysterious yet gentle and soothing aura. Like diving deep down into the ocean or being enveloped into the sky. A warm hug. I explored the sky – specifically butterflies and silhouette of their wings. The reason why I focused so much on butterflies is because they represent growth and the beauty that comes with unavoidable change.

I really wanted to incorporate the silhouette and delicate floaty energy of the butterfly into my design, so I played with several variations of sleeves. very flowy, very dramatic, totally in motion. After I had sorted out the top, it was out of instinct to draw a low waisted bottom. The top is very much the centre piece, and I wanted the skirt to echo the finish of the top hence the same stiff curve finish. From the start I knew I wanted my design to incorporate curvy lines as Resene Lakeside is a calming colour and I was drawn to the idea of a soft silhouette.

My design is an image of inevitable change. I hope it expresses the idea that change is good. To be human is to change. At least this is what the garment represents to me – a healthy reminder to not fear growing up.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2025

Photography by Natasha Boshkovski Photography

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