If there’s one thing we’re always partial to, it’s a good collaboration. For more than 100 years, Christchurch-born brand Glassons has been leading the market for accessible women’s fashion in Aotearoa, and since expanding into Australia in the late ’90s, it’s only continued to flourish. For the first time ever, the powerhouse brand has joined forces with emerging Australian label Five By Flynn to create a 13-piece, limited-edition collection of effortlessly-cool pieces.
The Glassons x Five By Flynn launch party
Ahead of the launch, FQ’s art director Georgia Bramley and writer Amberley Colby were whisked away to Sydney to celebrate the collaboration. Both editors donned the in-demand denim biker jacket, which they styled with the matching denim mini skirt and jeans respectively. Hosted at a glamorous venue in Rushcutters Bay, the event was attended by the likes of model Sarah Ellen, The Inspired Unemployed, and content creator and author Ellidy Pullin. What followed was an evening filled with chilli margaritas, caviar bumps and great tunes by artist Big Twisty. For those daring enough, there were complimentary fine line tattoos, and a Five By Flynn shop on-site so guests could indulge in a bit of extra retail therapy.
The collection
Staying true to Glassons’ contemporary and chic aesthetic, the collection features a considered range of trans-seasonal women’s styles, including a matching denim motorcycle jacket and jeans, mini skirts, asymmetrical tops and knitwear. Working closely with Glassons’ design team, Five By Flynn founder Louie Collins infused his signature resort wear aesthetic throughout the capsule, also welcoming a small handful of screen-printed unisex hoodies and tees — another first for Glassons.
“It was a super collaborative process from start to end, spanning approximately six months,” Collins told FQ. “My designer Holly and I were able to come to the table with our creative concepts and bounce off the expertise of Glassons’ design team. It was a better collaboration than I would have ever expected and together we played on each brand’s strengths and pushed the boundaries to build out a 13-piece collection. It has been my biggest career highlight to date.”
Harnessing an earthy colour palette of dark green and cobalt hues, the collection also pays tribute to Glassons’ heritage — drawing direct inspiration from the mountains, lakes, and striking landscape of Te Waipounamu/South Island. The campaign was fittingly shot in Queenstown by Kiwi photographer (and FQ favourite) Holly Burgess, and features Australian model Eden Kannourakis alongside Louie Collins.
Will this be the first in a series of brand collaborations for Glassons? It’s perhaps too early to say. When asked about their plans for future partnerships, the brand kept their cards to to their chest, saying “The appeal for us is to always evolve and bring something fresh and exciting to our customers while providing an opportunity to partner with a new generation of homegrown creatives across New Zealand and Australia.” All we can say is – watch this space.
The Glassons x Five By Flynn is available to shop online from Monday 8 July at 5PM AEST / 7PM NZT and in stores from Tuesday July 9 (AU Stores: Westfield Bondi Junction, Broadway, Pacific Fair, Chapel Street and Melbourne Central. NZ Stores: Sylvia Park, Lambton, Riccarton and Queenstown).
Shop the Glassons x Five By Flynn collection:
