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For the Wynn

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 29: Look sheets are seen backstage ahead of the Wynn Hamlyn show during New Zealand Fashion Week 2018 at Viaduct Events Centre on August 29, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Michael Ng/Getty Images)

Wynn Crawshaw is the Te Puke designer steering womenswear brand Wynn Hamlyn towards total fashion industry domination. With a highly impressive stockist list that already includes Ballantynes, The Shelter and taylor Boutique, it’s apparent that I’m not the only one in awe of Wynn’s wonderfully wild yet wholly wearable collections. Eager to hear of the future plans for the brand, we teed up a phone call…

After the initial fangirling had ceased, I asked Wynn if there was a stand-out moment during which he knew he was destined to be a fashion designer and as predicted, said moment occurred at a young age when a passion and aptitude for fashion became very clear. Since embarking on his design journey, he speaks most lovingly of his mother who supports him both emotionally and physically, as a key member of staff at the brand.

Wynn goes on to disclose that inspiration comes in the form of his muses; the bevy of hugely unique people that align so perfectly with the brand. On that note, Wynn dreams of adding Tilda Swinton to his list of loyal customers. He swoons over her immaculate sense of style in a way that is distinctly audible. The Toggle Blazer is Wynn’s favourite garment from the collection at present and it’s easy to picture Swinton parading in it.

Of late, the brand’s success has resulted in hectic schedules and working days that trail long into the night, not that you could detect fatigue in Wynn’s strong, positive tone. I asked the designer how he liked to relax after scenarios such as NZ and Ballantynes fashion weeks. I’m sure we can all relate to his answer which, quite simply, was to relax and unwind. Although before long, he’s back in the studio creating more wonderful garments for us all to pine over. The endless scope of possible designs and prints is what initially drew Wynn towards womenswear, but male readers can heave a sigh of relief as a menswear line hasn’t been ruled out for the future.

Thinking of becoming a designer yourself? Follow Wynn’s pearls of wisdom that dive into how one should never dilute or change their brand’s aesthetic for marketing reasons, because if you’ve got an honest and inspiring product, it will attract your future audience, even if they’re located on the other side of the globe.

It’s going to be an exciting ride for this 28-year-old New Zealand designer, so I think I’ll get my hands on that Toggle Blazer before Tilda does.

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