Trelise Cooper, pictured here at her home in Auckland, is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer. Having established herself with a range of popular boutique stores in the 1980s, the New Zealander went on to design clothes for the likes of Liv Tyler, Julia Roberts and even the cast of U.S. sitcom Sex and the City.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
Trelise Cooper, pictured here at her home in Auckland, is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer. Having established herself with a range of popular boutique stores in the 1980s, the New Zealander went on to design clothes for the likes of Liv Tyler, Julia Roberts and even the cast of U.S. sitcom Sex and the City.
CNN
A model exhibits clothes from Cooper's recent Spring range. Noted for her bold use of pattern, attention to detail and intricate stitching, Cooper has ascended the fashion world despite never having trained as either a designer or seamstress.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
A model exhibits clothes from Cooper's recent Spring range. Noted for her bold use of pattern, attention to detail and intricate stitching, Cooper has ascended the fashion world despite never having trained as either a designer or seamstress.
courtesy trelise cooper
The view from Cooper's beach-side home along the Auckland coast. Of her home country, Cooper says it's a source of great creativity and freshness. "Being the first people to see the sun rise each morning, gives us a sort of freshness, an edginess," she said.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
The view from Cooper's beach-side home along the Auckland coast. Of her home country, Cooper says it's a source of great creativity and freshness. "Being the first people to see the sun rise each morning, gives us a sort of freshness, an edginess," she said.
Courtesy trelise cooper
The dusty heat of New Delhi proved a sharp contrast to the breezy Auckland air. For Cooper, the city's "Red Fort" (pictured) epitomizes the flamboyant yet earthy Indian style.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
The dusty heat of New Delhi proved a sharp contrast to the breezy Auckland air. For Cooper, the city's "Red Fort" (pictured) epitomizes the flamboyant yet earthy Indian style.
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During her journey, Cooper strolled the streets of New Delhi, taking inspiration from the exotic, bright colors and the traditional stitch-work of the local garments.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
During her journey, Cooper strolled the streets of New Delhi, taking inspiration from the exotic, bright colors and the traditional stitch-work of the local garments.
CNN
Cooper described the crowded shopping district as "exciting and chaotic and noisy and dusty and smoky and hot." This, however, was small price to pay for the astonishing array of fabrics and accessories pouring from every street-side stall and shop.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
Cooper described the crowded shopping district as "exciting and chaotic and noisy and dusty and smoky and hot." This, however, was small price to pay for the astonishing array of fabrics and accessories pouring from every street-side stall and shop.
CNN
The New Zealander was thrilled to find this particular outlet, calling it "a treasure trove of fabrics and other goodies," including textiles, ribbons, bows, buttons and beads. She took samples back with her to her fashion studio in Auckland.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
The New Zealander was thrilled to find this particular outlet, calling it "a treasure trove of fabrics and other goodies," including textiles, ribbons, bows, buttons and beads. She took samples back with her to her fashion studio in Auckland.
CNN
After months of preparation, Cooper's "Fusion Journey" creations were ready for public view. This dress, with its gem-like embellishments, was hand-beaded in Delhi.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
After months of preparation, Cooper's "Fusion Journey" creations were ready for public view. This dress, with its gem-like embellishments, was hand-beaded in Delhi.
Courtesy Trelise Cooper
As this striking rainbow print illustrates, Cooper drew heavily from the Indian palette of vibrant colours to create her new line.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
As this striking rainbow print illustrates, Cooper drew heavily from the Indian palette of vibrant colours to create her new line.
Courtesy Trelise Cooper
Here, the detailed embroidery of the fabric mirrors the intricate henna patterns adorning many Indian women's hands
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
Here, the detailed embroidery of the fabric mirrors the intricate henna patterns adorning many Indian women's hands
Courtesy Trelise Cooper
This fully sequinned dress, meanwhile, is inspired by the azure blue color of the Indian Ocean.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
This fully sequinned dress, meanwhile, is inspired by the azure blue color of the Indian Ocean.
Courtesy Trelise Cooper
Most of all, Cooper returned to New Zealand inspired by the expert craftsmanship she encountered. This dress, with its ruffles and appliqué, was created using the delicate hand-stitching techniques still practiced across India.
New Zealand to New Delhi, a fusion of fashions —
Most of all, Cooper returned to New Zealand inspired by the expert craftsmanship she encountered. This dress, with its ruffles and appliqué, was created using the delicate hand-stitching techniques still practiced across India.
Courtesy Trelise Cooper