If Fashion Week were set in a high school, the Huffer kids would be the naughty ones at the back of the class, causing havoc and pulling pranks, but loved by everyone nonetheless.
Huffer’s Steve Dunstan and Dan Buckley have long been known as fashion’s cool kids, but behind the wisecracks are two very savvy businessmen. What started as a way to make clothes for themselves and their mates has turned into a mini empire, with four designers, three separate clothing ranges, worldwide stockists and a brand new jewellery range. What’s next? Total domination?
Huffer began way back in 1997, when Steve was a snow boarder and Dan was a skate-boarding design student. Their clothes instantly gained street cred with the skate and snow crowds, a market they still tap today. However they have also made the move to high fashion, thanks to the talents of their radical collection’s designers Rachel Sloane and Aaron Styles.
Huffer are one of NZ’s top design teams but they definitely haven’t let success go to their heads; they are still the same good-time guys at heart. Their sense of fun comes across in their clothes: kick-ass, wearable styles with riotous patterns, bold colours and a clever knowing wink.
Links:
www.huffer.co.nz
http://www.iticket.co.nz/eventdetails.asp?action=vieweventdetails&eventvenue_id=994 - with a caption for the last link "In addition to his usual Fashion Week commitments, Steve Dunstan is DJ'ing at the official Wrap Party"
Rachel Sloane, Huffer’s lovely ladies-wear designer, tells us what’s what at Huffer!
I know it is probably top secret but can you give us any insights into the theme or inspiration for your Winter ‘09 collection showing at ANZFW?
Secrets, secrets.. Our initial inspiration was drawn from the photographer Corey Arnold. We captured our colour, texture, shape, and fabric ideas from his photographic adventures across the "Bearing Sea" on professional fishing boats.
You have always been known for your unexpected and creative shows, have you got any surprises in store for us this year?
Being CraTiv is always fun! There will be a few sneeeky treats here and there however we do have a gorgeous new jewellery range being launched at our ‘Free the Fish’ show - this includes some dinky lockets, earrings, rings and much, much more...I'm REALLY excited and I think every girl will want a little piece of this pie!
What do you see in Huffer's future? (look into your crystal ball!)
Huffer going large in the USA…USA! And... some couture dresses could also be on the cards ..beautiful fabrics, detailing and silhouettes with only a limited amount being made each year..then hand bags and freaky high heels - yes some beautiful girly bits and bobs could be on the way.
Your clothes have such a sense of fun about them, does that mean you have fun designing?
Yeah we have heaps of fun! Huffer is a great place to work - we have a really strong team of creatives which causes this crazy chemical BANG of amazing energy..so designing is a really cool time for us.
You were scooped up straight after you had finished your Fashion Degree, you've been designing for Huffer for two years now. What have been some of your hardest moments? Best moments?
Being thrown in the deep end from the beginning was pretty full on..It was hard work and a huge challenge however, fun and I learnt a heap. It's been an amazing experience working with Dan and Steve as they are both such talented and inspiring guys – I suppose one of my favourite moments (there are so many!) is sitting back and enjoying the designs at our end of season lookbook shoot ..This is the first point where all the hard work comes together and you actually get to see it on a model to make one harmonious photographic lovelyness.
Where did the name Huffer come from?
The name came from the ether, it came from the brain (and/or bum) of the one and only Daniel Buck-ley.
What qualities do you think have helped you succeed?
Being positive, hard working, having fun, getting straight back up on my horse when I fall off.
If you could use just one word to describe your brand what would it be?
oohhhh...Ummmmmmm...SpeZial
What song has been on repeat for you lately?
L.E.S Artistes - Santogold
How are you going to celebrate after the show is over?
We are having an after party so I'm sure there will be a few cheeky drinks and a big fuck-off boogy.
What's your most unfashionable secret?
I wear nanna undies to bed on Sundays.
What is going to be a big trend this Summer? Next Winter?
Summer - Huffer summer dresses! Winter - Girls in beanies with high heels.
What's the best part about Fashion Week?
Getting all excited about new cloVes and colours.
And the worst?!
Being too hung over to leave the house for the show you’re meant to be at!