If you’re a regular around here you’ll know that I’ve been talking up the Queensland label, Hunt + Kelly, since it started a little more than two years ago.
I actually just has to check that. YES. The label, which is the brainchild of fashion designer Paul Hunt and fashion editor/stylist Kellie Alderman, is not quite two years old.
I remember going to its first pop-up store and buying a black and white top, a black tube skirt and a black off-the-shoulder dress. It was love at first sight and try for me and they’ve kept on delivering.
What Hunt + Kelly do really well is create garments that bring a sense of occasion to our everyday style – versatile garments that can be dressed up or down. These are the type of garments I like my wardrobe to be mostly filled with – pieces that just work.
In the Hunt + Kelly spring-summer 2017 collection, you’ll find a mix of patterned, printed and detailed pieces that work back effortlessly with your exisiting wardrobe or the label’s core collection of best-selling staples. The collection was showcased at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane and most recently at Brisbane Fashion Month.
Excitingly this season, Hunt + Kelly has also collaborated with two artists – Holly Neilson for this magical leaf print I wore to Brisbane Fashion Month last week and Kate Barry for the print on these stunning scarves.
The dress I’m featuring in this post is also one that grabbed my attention at both runway events.
The model(s)
Hunt + Kelly Label Kerala dress
and me
Hunt + Kelly Label Kerala dress | FRANKiE4 Footwear NiKKi heels in tan punched
See those three gorgeous models above? All three are wearing the EXACT SAME DRESS. This is a free-size garment and each of the models (and me) was photographed in the same dress.
It’s just a shape that works on so many different bodies. Now, if you’re a fitted, structured, frock-loving girl, then is probably not for you. It will work on your body but you might not feel confident in it as a style for YOU.
Me? I don’t mind a little structure now and then but give me a well-shaped and beautifully draped boho piece and I’m excited to flow and flounce around on any occasion.
Where the design gets numerous big ticks from me is in its v-neckline, billowed sleeves, tiered skirt and the high-low hem. This combination works to give hints of your own body’s shape without it being fitted.
The super-soft rayon fabric contributes to the draping ability of this dress. It’s semi-sheer but because of the way the dress gathers, I didn’t need to wear a slip underneath.
Then there is the detailing – hand-beading around the neckline and beaded detail on the lower sleeve. It’s subtle but it’s there, taking this piece next level.
I’ve worn it with heels (more on those below) but I’d equally wear it with wedges, flat sandals, or slides. Simple add a statement earring and you’re good to go all summer.
So tell me, do you love a boho-style dress that can take you from the beach to out to dinner? Would I find a Hunt + Kelly piece or two in your wardrobe?
THE SHOES! It’s a little more than 12 months since the first FRANKiE4 Footwear NiKKis (my namesake) landed in store and on our our feet. Those black and latte heels have been re-stocked a couple of times and just this week, two more colours have been added to the NiKKi stable. I’m wearing one of them here, the tan punched. I love the perforated detail for a lighter summer look. If you have the “full” tan NiKKis, the leather in those is slightly darker. Also just released is the NiKKi in blush. If you have more pink undertones to your skin, this will work for you better than the latte. Me? I love them both.
* These pieces were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here.
GIDDY UP: Join me for Melbourne Cup Day
Join me at The New Inchcolm Hotel, Spring Hill, Brisbane, for a stylish Melbourne Cup Day. I’m MCing the afternoon and presenting a parade of summer styles by Brisbane label, Sacha Drake. You’ll also enjoy a three-course gourmet experience created by head chef Anthony Hales.
Begin the festivities with a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival followed by a free- flowing beverage package of sparkling, white and red wine and Australian beers. Cost is $169 per person or $159 per person for a table of 10.
You could win this spectacular lucky door prize pictured on my arm – a Dior watch. Reservations are essential, phone 07 3226 8888 or email [email protected]
More information HERE.
Comments 16
thanks for inspo!
My personal opinion this dress looks better on you, can’t say actually why, but the model is pretty skinny, that’s why the frock looks like on a hanger (no offense to this girl-model, she’s pretty).
Irina || http://imogentrend.com/
Hi Nikki,
I can’t seem to find this dress online either, I did all sorts of searches. Do you know if they still have it, it’s gorgeous.
Where can I purchase this dress? On line?
Hi Nikki and the lovely Styling You community,
Thanks so much for your kind words Nikki, and for your support of our brand from the start. You have been such a great champion and we will be forever grateful to you and your community for embracing us so wholeheartedly.
Firstly, this dress looks amazing on you and thank you for showing it on all our models that went from size 8-18 in the same dress. Having been a stylist for many years and knowing the angst that a dress size can cause some women, we loving creating a free-size garment that looks equally amazing no matter what dress size you subscribe to.
Second, we are so glad we have found some kindred sprits in you and the readers of SY on our quest to make women feel beautiful and happy in what they wear regardless of age, size or budget.
So a thousand thankyous for supporting our label and small Australian retailers like us who are swimming in a big pond of international names and trying to keep our head above water!
x kellie (the kelly in hunt +kelly)
I love this dress but can’t seem to find it on the website? How much please? Thanks Michelle
love the dress but is it the type of rayon where it needs a tonne of ironing please as there’s quite a bit of fabric….thanks…:)
Author
I don’t think so. I would use my portable steamer in any case if it needs it. https://www.harveynorman.com.au/kambrook-swiftsteam-garment-steamer.html
I really like the Hunt&Kelly label, I love that they’re locals, and this dress is great! I do have a couple of their pieces from when they had a pop-up store in Hawthorne. I have many boho frocks but through Frocktober I’ve realized that I have very few black dresses……
Author
…. you know what I say about wardrobe gaps 🙂 Loving your Frocktober efforts x
Gorgeous dress Nikki,I love it on you and all the models xx
Author
Thanks Lisa, it’s a winner!
Completely love this. Wonder if they will do it in white?
Author
White’s not in this season’s collection, Robyna
Good Morning! My first day off (all to myself) for so long and it’s a Monday so an early Model and Me makes me happy. What a gorgeous dress, lovely on you and the models. The detailing is something else isn’t it! I love boho. The leaf print reminded me of a white strapless dress I had in the 70s, it featured similar leaves on the front. x
Author
I’m glad it makes you happy … boho forever, I say! x