Concrete Playground Meets Pia Boutique

Barely a month since launching and designer Pia Naera of Pia Boutique is garnering some well deserved attention with her debut Winter 2012 collection titled ‘'Metrik’, inspired by the intricate colours, shapes and patterns found in kaleidoscopes, mosaics, stained glass windows and cartography.

It all began from three dresses that were Pia’s final graphic design assignment at Auckland’s AUT University, in which she explored the relationship between graphic, textile and fashion design.

Proving to be immensely popular Pia says “I had a lot of people wanting to purchase them but the problem was I only had three.” “Due to an overwhelming response, I have committed this year to focus on and develop 'Pia Boutique' into a sophisticated and fun fashion label.”

Not surprisingly with Pia’s graphic design background, prints are central to her collection. Functional garments combined with her dynamic hand-printed fabrics are designed to work seamlessly together, so when it comes to sewing, prints align perfectly.

This is achieved through her unique design process of hand dyed fabrics which she then photographs with light behind it. For her latest Winter 2012 collection, photos have been chopped altered and trialled with colours to create the signature 'Metrik' print, a galactic / kaleidoscopic styled print seen throughout the collection. Although she admits it is unfortunately a pricey approach, she feels it’s something unique that sets her label apart from the majority of other designers.

Backing her unique print designs are desirable silhouettes that embody on-trend and stylish attributes. “I invest a lot of time into research of relevant trends and styles that are popular for a particular season,” she says “with that, I then create my own variety of 'Pia Boutique' prints.”

Currently in preparation for the upcoming Spring/ Summer season, Pia is developing her summer collection around Aztec styled prints along with bold and bright florals with a few hints of fluro. If the latest Pia Boutique collection is anything to go by, we’d definitely recommend you stay tuned for what’s to come!

Q&A with Pia Boutique

1. Describe your personal style… I love colour but I try not to over do it.  So with most of my outfits I'll try splash in some colour wherever I can whether it's with a bright scarf, lipstick or a 'Pia Boutique' number. I love jewellery too - I’d say my personal style is casual yet sophisticated, bold and creative.  I wear dresses a lot even in Winter, with a cape or a coat and scarf and knee high boots.

2. What is your favourite piece from your current winter collection? The piece that I wear the most from my current 'Metrik' collection is the 'Metrik Cobalt Dress' as it's very versatile.  I can wear it casually with white chucks to the mall or with wedges out to a cocktail party.  I find majority of this collection can be worn to almost any occasion it just depends how you accessorise!

3. What item can you not live without this winter? My 'Pia Boutique ‘starburst blush tights'- perfect for a chilly day with boots and an oversized jumper and bright lippy.

4. When I'm not designing fashion, I'm usually.... going for coffee! I go for coffee dates almost every day during my lunch break.  Or boxing, it’s my new fitness obsession at the moment. I just bought a new pair of pink fairtex gloves.

5. My last fashion purchase was... My Karen Walker jet plane necklace - love it!

Check her Website or Instagram for more details.