By giving her name to her brand, Trelise Cooper and her clothes are indelibly linked in the arena of luxury fashion excellence.
Since 1997 the Trelise Cooper brand has benefited from a yearly growth. But the bottom line has never been the chief motivator at Trelise Cooper Ltd headquarters - panache, talent and attention to flair ranks far higher in the priority stakes for the intuitive designer and her 75-strong staff.
“The business has been successful because the people I work with are so loyal, talented, committed and creative,” says Trelise. “Although, ultimately it is my decision in the end, everyone has an input in their areas which is considered and respected, so that they feel very much a part of the final outcome.”
Sold in boutiques in the UK, USA, Paris, Rome, Singapore and throughout Australasia the Trelise Cooper brand is an unmitigated success story. It is estimated that at any one time 50,000 Trelise Cooper pieces are in circulation around the world. In the US most Trelise Cooper sells before it hits the shop floor – fans snapping it up in exclusive buying sprees. In 2002 Hollywood actress Julia Roberts famously bought out the entire summer range in one go.
More than half the company’s earnings come from export sales and Trelise Cooper sales to the US now outstrip NZs total apparel exports to that country.
In 2002 Trelise Cooper Ltd was the recipient of the Trade New Zealand Export Award for creating a successful export business.
“I find being in business incredibly fulfilling, hugely challenging and I have had enormous personal growth as a result of it,” says Trelise.
Each season, revealing the latest Trelise Cooper collection is like the unveiling of a romantic and eclectic art exhibition. Every piece in the range has been lovingly crafted using diverse fabrics and finishes to the final exotic result which ultimately pleases both the wearer and the observer.
Her original business vision to create distinctive and directional clothing for women aged 30-55 is still a strong influence in the Trelise Cooper brands – including her distinctive diffusion label Cooper by Trelise.
With touches of inspiration from movies, museums, history books, vintage clothes and stars of a bygone era like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo and Lauren Bacall, Trelise is constantly traveling and reading to find her next muse.
“I love adding historical elements to my garments while giving them a modern interpretation – a point of difference to the last time it was seen,” explains Trelise.
As a result she creates deconstructed designs which are unashamedly feminine. Vivid colour and contrasting textures are the perfect canvas for prints, sequins and beadings. Designs to flatter feminine form, with styles known by an eccentric name - like a ruffled skirt called Plastered in Paris, a detailed coat named Bustle Crowe or a lacy creation labeled Damsel in Dis Dress – to give her garments extra character. “I want to produce garments that have personality, flamboyance and with a quirk to them,” says Trelise.
All in all, an expressive mix of femininity, confidence, interest and joy.
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