Celia Phillips at Miss Crabb

Labelled as one to watch by many of Auckland's fashion elite, Celia Phillips has certainly lived up to these expectations. As a new addition to the Miss Crabb boutique on Ponsonby Road in Auckland, Celia has found a perfect fit.

While hers are pieces are minimal in colour I think they work very nicely with Miss Crabb's beautiful colours and neutral pieces.

While looking at Celia’s cropped shirt I kept thinking to myself how well it would go with Miss Crabb's Hepburn Trousers from her winter range. What a match!

Celia’s collection reflects the current trends but at the same time has a very modern twist with the bias cuts, collar details and the unfinished edges. With some very elegant long skirts and dresses, it is a sure sign that this girl knows what she is doing.

Miss Crabb window display featuring one of Celia’s signature pieces.

This collection which is based on the cult of Yearning of Zion was launched last year at the AUT Rookie show. Taking on the influence of the folky Amish style in its structure, the colours and detailing modernize these pieces. The pieces are very carefully thought out; there are lots of layers in some of the pieces, and others have a bias cut. The colours in the collection complement the designs perfectly. I love the detailing around the collars where the colours have been reversed on the border and accentuated the collar by adding the large mesh fabric over.

Crop shirt with collar detail. The neutral colour palette is beautifully complemented by this eggshell blue.

Celia Phillips and Kristine Crabb at the launch.

Guests enjoying themselves over glasses of sangria.

Story Nita Prekazi August 2010.
Photography: Kat Riddell.