Jacqueline Anne Roper is a distinguished New Zealand fashion designer who’s redefining luxury fashion in Aotearoa, harmoniously blending sustainability, cultural heritage and sophisticated design. Renowned for her timeless and feminine creations, her label, Jacqueline Anne Couture, was established in 2019 following an extensive fashion career that spanned Tokyo, Paris,and Los Angeles.
Her designs are characterized by their luxurious elegance and commitment to sustainability. She utilizes natural fabrics such as pearl silks, silk cotton, silk wool blends and algae-based materials. Her debut at New Zealand Fashion Week in 2019 showcased this unique fusion, earning acclaim for its vibrant integration of diverse cultures and art forms. In 2023, Jacqueline Anne opened The Maison de Couture in Auckland’s Parnell district, offering a curated collection of ready-to-wear pieces alongside bespoke couture services. The atelier embodies the essence of vintage haute couture, providing clients with luxurious, feminine designs that exude confidence and elegance.
Jacqueline’s heritage as a direct descendant of Chief Te Mahutu and Te Waikaungarangi of the Te Āti Awa iwi in Taranaki informs her creative vision. Her work subtly incorporates elements of Te Ao Māori art forms, blending cultural richness with contemporary fashion.
Through Jacqueline Anne Couture, Jacqueline Roper continues to push the boundaries of local fashion. Her upcoming Couture in the Gardens promises to be an extraordinary event featuring high-fashion couture, each piece a vivid tribute to the flowers that blossomed in Jacqueline’s grandparents’ expansive garden during her childhood.
We caught up with Jacqueline ahead of the Couture in the Gardens event to talk about inspiration and her innate sense of innovation.
Tell us about your journey through fashion. What inspired you to start your label?
Ever since I was little, I never wanted to do anything else but design fashion. So when the time came — and I felt the time was right for me — I finally took the courage to do it.
How would you describe the Jacqueline Anne aesthetic?
It’s a modern take on classic, even vintage, couture from the 1930s to the 1950s, using luxurious fabrics.
Your designs have a very distinct feel. What influences or experiences shape your creative vision?
Everything and anything can have an influence; nothing is ever set in stone. Most of my couture designs are organic and sometimes happen when I see the fabric, or drape the fabric, or even I see it in a dream. The approach is much more calculated when I’m designing my ready-to-wear collection.
How do you approach sustainability and ethical fashion in your collections?
I only make clothing to be passed down from generation to generation. I don’t do fast fashion and primarily only use natural fibres where I can. I source and consult with companies about using a circular business practice and creating a more harmonious relationship with our planet with many eco-friendly options. We promote plastic/polyester free business where we can make those changes.
What does your design process look like, from concept to final garment?
A lot of work! I draw the concepts and the technical drawing before the patterns are made. Cutting, sewing, fitting and adjusting one dress can take me one day or one month if it’s the haute couture styles, including hand beading or weaving.
What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards of running an independent fashion house?
The challenges in New Zealand really relate to exposure. And just the outgoing costs are so high, we closed the shop as I was mostly selling privately to my clients anyway and the incredible high price of retail rents just took all and any profits, so we just didn’t see it as an option for now. Maybe again in the future but probably not in New Zealand.
The rewards are great, we have been contacted by some amazing international stylist working with only A-list celebrities and publications in New York so some good things are on the horizon. Last year, one of our outfits was the feature of a Sony global ad campaign which was amazing.
Couture in the Gardens is such a unique concept. What was the inspiration behind hosting a fashion show in this setting?
I remember seeing a chanel haute couture runway in a garden setting, and I fell in love with the Hamilton Gardens. So I put the two concepts together to create Couture in the Garden. Julia from the Hamilton Gardens introduced me to Geoff of the Hamilton Arts Festival and we applied to be part of their event, and the event is almost sold out! The venue is so stunning — it’s going to be amazing. I just need to get everything finished in time [laughs].
How does the natural environment influence the collection you’re showcasing?
Plenty! It’s an inspiring place and beautiful venue.
How do you want people to feel when they experience Couture in the Gardens?
Like they have been transported to another place and that they feel they’re really having a moment.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers looking to break into couture?
It’s hard work and very little return on what time and money you put in, so make sure you’re doing it for the passion.
If you could dress any historical or modern figure, who would it be and why?
Growing up, I wanted to dress princess Diana, that was my dream. I would love to dress Princess Catherine or anyone attending the Met Gala… I have plenty ideas that need a space to shine!
What don’t you leave the house without?
Sunblock and sunglasses.
