Special accessories

“Having grown up in my mother’s mini department store, La Rouge [in Rotorua], I was exposed early on to both a strong work ethic and understanding of the intricacies of design.

Naturally gravitating towards the store’s accessories and their ability to transform an outfit I admired the details and juxtaposition of elements, with particular favourites being a pair of star drop earrings, quintessential 90s burnished gold hoops and an abstract pearl necklace.

Having added to this vintage accessory collection myself, a pair of Charlotte Olympia cat flats are regularly worn with their unique design and unexpected materials giving a playful twist to a classic ballet flat.”

Reading books

“A love for learning was instilled in me by my grandfather, something that became integral from the age of 9 when a 20+ year period of health issues began [for me].

Often unable to attend school or university I taught myself at home with books. With them becoming my teachers and the characters in fictional work my friends, they served as a lifeline to the outside world, were part of my recovery process and enabled me to gain an education and not be limited by my circumstances.

Books are on mass at my home with certain works being collected in multiple editions and read at certain times annually. A snapshot of the collection shown are some of my favourites – from classic fiction including Henry James, Jane Austen, and Gerald Durrell’s humour and conservation based works, to my much loved law textbooks with their noted margins and fluorescent highlighting.”

Grandfather’s paintings

“My grandfather’s paintings are of significant importance to me, serving as a symbol that it is never too late to find or follow one’s passions.

Despite being creative throughout his life, he only took up painting in his 60s yet still created an extensive portfolio.

His outlook in life that one should be bold and open to the modern translated into his paintings with his pieces being ahead of their time.

With his trademark use of strong and competing colours coupled with the duality in the use of straight lines and curves resulted in distinctive pieces.

Whilst exhibiting, his work was never for sale with them being an extension of himself and to instead be passed down within the family. The collection of his work shown is of those I have strong memories of him painting – to this day I can still see him at his easel, the aroma of oil paint in the air as well as his kindness and patience as he attempted to teach me his craft.”

Vintage clothing

“A deep appreciation and love for fashion has been a connecting tie within the generations of women in my family.

A vintage treasure trove of family pieces has always had a meaningful place in my life with its impact evolving over the years.

From a simple tool for dress-up and imagination as a child, a recognition has since grown of each woman’s personal characteristics expressed in their clothing allowing me to know and understand these women without ever having met them. So great an influence not only has my personal aesthetic been directed by familial styles but the label is an intergenerational blend of designs.

My mother’s wedding dress is a particular favourite piece – created by my mother in collaboration with a designer at El Jay, its classic modernity with its sleek lines and 1920s art deco diamante pattern pushed the boundaries of traditional weddings dresses of the day.”

‘Breathing dreams like air’ print

“A quote from one of my favourite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald, I created this print for my home during the height of a life-long illness that left me largely bedridden in its most recent period for near seven years

Having been originally drawn to the romanticism of the wording ‘breathing dreams like air’ became a way of life for me when I couldn’t take tangible steps towards my dreams.

The creation of Florence & Fortitude was one of my dreams and the hope of which, together with my family, spurred me on through my health journey.

This print now serves as a daily reminder of how far I’ve come, of dreams realised and dreams yet to even be breathed.”

The designer Anna (left) with her sister and co-founder of Florence & Fortitude, Elizabeth James.

“It is beautiful how it happens. Clothes do attach themselves to memories.”