About

  

 

 

Deryn Schmidt has developed a disciplined understanding of the female form and this coupled with her hands on industry experience and creative intuition, ensure design driven pieces that whilst being elegant, remain fun and functional. A passionate and focused approach is taken in all of her work, with the perfectionist within guaranteeing each garment is flawless from conception through to its final form. As an extremely driven individual, meticulously working her way up the fashion ladder, Deryn has gathered the skills and knowledge necessary to turn her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer into reality.

Her passion for the fashion industry started at a very young age, initially learning crafts and sewing from her Nana, who has been a seamstress all her life. Deryn continued her formal education with a three year scholarship to Wanganui Polytechnic, graduating with a degree in Fashion and Textiles. Following graduation, a role with designer Robyn Mathieson led her to Wellington where she spent three years climbing her way through the ranks. She began sewing on the trims and pressing, finishing her time there pattern drafting and involved in production, until it was time for the big OE.

Her first overseas role was pattern drafting for a company in London, which proved extremely valuable, as she was able to learn from colleagues with over 30 years industry experience. Deryn then had to get into the production side of the industry and landed a job at one of England’s high fashion women’s wear mainstream brands, Karen Millen. This gave her a greater insight into large scale production, the procedures and processes required, and included international travel to manufacturers. The experiences in England have had a lasting and positive impact, shaping Deryn’s understanding of the industry, enhancing skills and techniques, while growing her self-confidence, leaving her with an even greater determination to excel at a high level back home in New Zealand.

Deryn’s first role back was for Helen Cherry / Workshop (RCM Clothing Ltd) as their Production Assistant. This enabled her to get back into the New Zealand market and establish relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. The next logical progression was to become a Production Manager, and this role came up back in Wellington for designer ‘Andrea Moore’ where she managed the workroom for four years, until 2009.

Over the years, Deryn has designed and produced a large range of made to measure garments for clients, with her ability to deliver an exceptional outfit for any occasion. From everyday and work wear, to christening gowns, race day attire, wedding and bridesmaid dresses. Her original one-off creations have received praise not only from her clients, but also in competition, most notably with her recent Supreme Award winning dress in the 2008 Trentham Fashion in the Field. A wedding dress she designed also received acclaim, winning the Wairarapa Bride of the Year.

Last year, 2009, was an extremely eventful 12 months for Deryn, beginning the year by becoming a mother with the birth of her daughter Millicent and her engagement to long-term partner Carl Fenemor. The year definitely had its share of challenges, including the unexpected relocation of her place of employment resulting in her redundancy. These events have all combined positively in kick starting the next step of Deryn’s fashion journey, to launch her own label ‘Deryn Schmidt’. Her first range for Spring-Summer 2010/11 is titled Growth, and will be available from selected stockists from August 2010.

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Deryn is extremely determined to succeed and achieve her goals as she has done in the past. Every step throughout her life and working career have been inching her closer to achieving her dreams of success and a successful label ‘Deryn Schmidt’.