By Margaret Lewis

The collection "Heirloom" | "Amazing Rare Thing" A feminine silhouette with emphasis on the waist, both collections from Laurie Foon and Carleeen Schollum are elegant and wearable.

Background Designers Laurie Foon and Carleen Schollum share an obsession with textiles and colour, and enjoy pushing together opposing elements. The Wellington based designers work on two labels. Starfish is their staple range and each season the designers produce a collection based around feminine functional old favourites, re-invented with new fabrics and twists. The Laurie Foon range is the duo's more directional, grown-up and thematic range.Starfish has always been inspired by stories of New Zealand's people, communities and environment. Since the label's pioneering beginnings in 1993 Starfish founder Laurie Foon has channelled these stories with an eclectic fusion of romance, humanism and activism. With the help of long-time design collaborator Carleen Schollum, Starfish garments are crafted to bring splendour to everyday wear, blending understated elegance with lasting utility.

A large part of the enduring appeal of Starfish garments over the years has been their sheer versatility and enduring style, making them a favourite with women who want to feel luxurious in any environment. Part of the Starfish story that has gained prominence in recent years has been the label's championing of sustainable practices.

In accepting a New Zealand Sustainable Business award last year, Laurie Foon said it was "a humbling and inspiring milestone, as it helped us put better-known terms to what we'd just done by instinct". In 2008 Starfish garments continue to be designed and made onshore in NZ as sustainably and naturally as possible, with natural fibres contributing strongly to their definitive sense of place and time.

These principles are echoed within the Laurie Foon label. Designed to complement the everyday splendour of Starfish, this eponymous range gives designers Foon and Schollum licence to explore thematic and directional styles. Laurie Foon ranges have been described by fashion writer Stacy Gregg as "luxe, indulgent and groundbreaking".

Being there A last minute squeeze meant standing in the back row, making it hard to take notes, but it's amazing who you get to talk to in the queue. Image: Laurie Foon Michael Ng/Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008 Related story Fashion Week Feature 18/09/08