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The Dominion Post – Carolyn Enting

Wellington labels STARFISH and LAURIE FOON returned to the catwalk at Fashion Week with a strong statement on style and sustainability. It has been four years since Laurie Foon and co-designer Carleen Schollum last showed at Fashion Week. Their winter 09 collection – HEIRLOOM – was partly inspired by the Rita Angus: Life and Vision exhibition at Te Papa and Angus’ desire to create something unique and lasting.

 The pair doubled their workload sourcing fabrics from New Zealand suppliers. 65% of the garments in the show were made from locally produced and sustainable fabrics, including fine gauge merino grown and milled in the South Island and woven in Timaru; merino silk possum scarves knitted in the Manawatu; and knits from the Bay of Plenty.

But now it is all over, Foon and Schollum are understandably a little anxious. They needn’t be. The collection is effortlessly wearable and fashionable. My picks are the superbly cut, killer LAURIE FOON ‘Socialite’ pants and the STARFISH organic denim ‘Dowry’ coat and high waist skirt.

Sustainable and gorgeous.

Runway Reporter – Chloe de Ridder

For her return to Air New Zealand Fashion Week for the first time in years, Laurie Foon sent models down a bronze metallic runway, with eyeshadow to match. Starfish’s sporty luxe look was particularly successful – the casual look matched the casual vibe of the show.

Titled HEIRLOOM, the range is inspired by all things precious and unthinkable to lose. This means lots of pieces made from natural fabrics which are designed to last. The influence of Rita Angus shows through the vibrant colours – amber, lots of grey and a seasonal print which resembles brush strokes on a canvas.

The collection is sure to become precious to New Zealanders, with stand-out pieces including a pink puffer jacket, the hoodies and anything plaid.

Industry stalwart Laurie Foon returns to Fashion Week with a recharged passion for all things green and sustainable. The Wellington-based designer, who has been in the industry for more yhan 20 years, will present a collection called Heirloom on Tuesday afternoon – inspired by pieces to be treasured and passed on. Foon’s Starfish store has had a green makeover and stocks the best of sustainable fashion including the worlds first fair-trade sneaker, organic cotton t-shirts from Kowtow and shoes from ecologically friendly Terra Plana.

NZ Herald VIVA, The ABC of Fashion Week

Designer Laurie Foon brings a summery and relaxed feel to the Spring/Summer 08/09 collection of her younger and greener label Starfish. Dresses, flowing skirts and floral prints rule, and there’s a mixture of casual day-time outfits and structured pieces for the workplace.

Starfish is a label that channels New Zealand – and this range called “The garden of perfect happiness” does it once again. It’s inspired by Foon’s great grandfather who came to New Zealand from China as a young man, and worked his entire life in market gardens.

Silk, linen, cotton and new, richly coloured hemp make for an eclectic mixture of fabrics that can be teamed together or worn separately. Always committed to sustainability, Foon has sourced new fabrics such as silk hemp (which is used on the Dynasty dress and top) organic cotton and T-shirting and recycled buttons.

Key pieces include the brightly coloured floral dress, perfect for any summer occasion, and the gorgeous cream skirt that could be worn for work or play.

Runway Reporter, Chloe de Ridder 01/07/08