Jacinda Ardern represented more than New Zealand on her European tour last month. From Paris to Germany and London, the PM’s sartorial sojourn showcased some of our best local designers. We spoke to Harman Grubiša, Juliette Hogan and Meadowlark about how it feels to be dressing our leading lady in the international spotlight.
Harman Grubiša
Who: Harman Grubiša
Where: Paris
Why: Meeting the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris.
Auckland-based design duo Madeleine Harman and Jessica Grubiša are a favourite of Ardern’s; she wore them in her recent interview with Vogue. “Dressing Jacinda is a privilege – her support for New Zealand design and make is wonderful – exemplary!”, say Harman and Grubiša. “She has been a vision throughout her European tour. It’s a pleasure for us to dress women from all walks of life – in this instance, it feels special that Harman Grubiša is being worn by such an iconic figure and during such significant exchanges. As designers passionate about being Made in New Zealand, it is such a joy to be dressing our leading lady”.
Who: Harman Grubiša
Where: Berlin
Why: Meeting the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, in Berlin.
Juliette Hogan
Who: Juliette Hogan
Where: Buckingham Palace
Why: Meeting the Queen
Ardern wore a bespoke maternity evening dress by Juliette Hogan under the Korowai provided by Ngati Ranana – the London-based Maori group – for the state banquet hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
“Personally, it has been an absolute privilege and an honour to be asked to design outfits for Jacinda to wear on her recent European tour”, says Hogan. “I see Jacinda as an outstanding role model for both women and girls today and it’s been amazing to see her and New Zealand represented in such a fresh and inspiring way on an international stage.”
Meadowlark
Who: Meadowlark
Where: Buckingham Palace
Why: Meeting the Queen
As we know, no outfit is complete without accessories. Ardern wore Vita earrings by Meadowlark while attending the State banquet at Buckingham Palace.
“Any time Meadowlark is worn by a strong female role model, is a special day for us”, says Meadowlark founder Claire Hammon. “We feel honoured to be sharing this moment with such an empowered and inspiring woman, Jacinda came to Juliette for a dress and we presented our designs at the same time, and lucky for us she chose to wear them”.
There’s no doubt Jacinda will continue to wear a selection of NZ designers and support the local fashion community. We can’t wait to see what she will debut on the global stage next. Stay tuned to thelastfashionbible.com for coverage.