Liam SS24: Choice 30.10.24

Watching the ongoing precarity of reproductive rights in the United States, I have been thinking about how grateful I am to live in New Zealand, where people who are pregnant have the freedom to choose what happens next for their body. That I am able to make my own decisions – reproductive and beyond – is important to celebrate.

To state the obvious, not all people have the same privileges as me. Typically, what holds me back from making the best choice for myself is fear of the unknown. But, in New Zealand and beyond, true choice is not available to many people. The proposed weakening of laws that allow for tino rangatiratanga, the reduction in community services providing a safety net to leave an abusive relationship, over a year since the launch of the genocidal assault on Palestinian people.

With the work we do with our communities, the choices(!) we make in our production processes, and maybe even in the performative act of naming and writing about this collection, I hope we are contributing to the ongoing work to ensure that true choice is available to all.

This Liam SS24 collection recognises the freedom I have to choose,, in the hope that those who are in a similar situation will remember to celebrate theirs. And to remind us all (myself included) that, together we can work towards true choice for all.

The freedom to choose. The most exquisite piece of fruit. And of course, in classic kiwi vernacular, a bloody good time. Freedom, exquisite, good time – it sums up the essence of Liam.

And just how does this relate to a collection of clothes? Clothing is part of culture, clothing is the vehicle I use to say what I want to say, selling clothing generates income that supports our community contributions. And, as always with Liam pieces:

Is it fancy, or is it chill? You decide ~

To me, the mark of a good dress is one that looks en pointe when you feel like being fancy, AND ALSO one that you can comfortably sleep in. Based on these criteria, my pick from CHOICE is 100% the Delilah Linen Slip. The cup shaping means that I don’t need to wear a bra, the bias cut means that it moves with me, and once it’s been through the washing machine, the linen can 100% cope with a night in dreamy dream land.

Our Magnolia fabric makes a cameo in Fresh, a palate cleansing sorbet green. Esmerelda is the dress’ name. Bias cut, straps wide enough for even the most supportive of bras, gentle gathered bust shaping. Dream Land Rating: 8 – the wrinkles are more obvious than the Delilah, but the fabric feels so nice against my skin. Like being 10cm tall and using a magnolia petal as a duvet.

It’s exciting to be building out our range of separates: fresh organic cotton poplin shirts, cap sleeve t-shirts with cute scalloped edge details, some lil black shortie shorts.

And, the Black Tie Gown has made its grand return! Finally! Bias cut crepe with a low cowl back and bows at the shoulders. This piece was part of the first Liam collection in 2012. To all who requested it makes a comeback: here you go!

Finally, I’ve made a playlist for you all. These classic hits have been with me during the making of, and living in, this collection.

Enjoy

X

Em