When many small businesses were thrown into turmoil from a pandemic year, the founder of Kiwi fashion label LEO+BE managed not only to stay afloat but also to support the next generation of talent.
Jenny Drury took on Year 13 Carmel College and top design student Ella Cook for a hands-on internship. Under Jenny’s mentorship, Ella was tasked with designing an outfit for the LEO+BE’s autumn collection.
Ella designed three items – which could work together as an outfit or worn separately – with her inspiration coming from the beauty of nature in New Zealand. The final look comprised the Bay Jacket and Franz Pant which take their shape from iconic Kiwi mountain ranges and their lush green hue from the forests. Softness is brought to the outfit in the Glimpse Top – a feminine piece, inspired by picturesque lakes and native flora and fauna.
“The design process with Jenny was super collaborative, but I also had a lot of creative freedom. My internship also taught me so much about the commercial side of fashion which is best learned on the job,” said Ella.
Jenny was also happy with the results: ‘Straight off the bat, Ella identified that a key selling point for our brand was the ability for garments to be mixed and matched. I see a bright future ahead for Ella, she’s proved she has the creativity as well as the skills to back it up and I can’t wait to see what’s next for her on her journey’.
