Niamh Morris

“In a dinner party filled with beautiful models 61-year-old Picasso scanned the room… wham! His gaze hit a beautiful young artist named Françoise Gilot, 21 at the time. He was transfixed. Soon to be his love affair and muse later, she was known as the flower woman in 1946. With her whimsical, delicate features, he always incorporated an element of nature in his pieces usually with green hair thanks to a cheeky comment by rival Matisse when staying at his.

Resene Wham is such a vibrant, impactful and slightly whimsical colour which I wanted to play with the thought of how the word wham could be used in a romantic sense. Picasso would always finish his portraits of her at the shoulder and I want to paint the whole picture.

The 1940s fitted waist elaborate sleeves and flared skirts were a big inspiration in my design but adding a modern twist. I want the woman wearing this to feel angelic living in a little cottage in the woods, feminine, playful and bold in the beauty of the colour, Resene Wham. I want to draw attention to her neck just as Picasso did by making a ruffle chocker resembling flowers, which will be a detail for all the garment. A corset accentuates the waist with the ruffled cups representing a flower and ruffled bottom and laced back. Attachable puff sleeves have flared bottoms and the skirt has a gathered tier on the bottom and waist.

In 1946 the magical company Resene was born by Ted Nightingale. Both creative innovators I wanted to celebrate the 75th anniversary by sharing how much paint can resonate with ourselves and create these beautiful stories. Picasso was a lover of colour and thought he was the best man to pay ode to this company.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2021

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