Sweatshirts take on artistic image

Press, 13 November 1982, Page 10

Sweatshirts take on artistic image

In vogue

Paula Ryan

One of the most attractively practical garments around today for casual wear is the sweatshirt.

tike “jeanery" it's a way of dressing — totally uncluttered and super-comfort-able.

As a separate it works with shorts, culottes, skirts and pants. Push up the sleeves, belt it. adorn it somewhat and presto — it's “casual slot" and one of summer’s popular extras is fulfilled.

Most sweatshirts are plain, in fleecy-lined cottons, others spell out printed motifs and messages.

One young enthusiastic Christchurch artist and follower of fashion, Jacqui McKenzie, has added an extra dimension to the sweatshirt by hand-painting “sweater dresses.”

Jacqui's painted sweater dress, made in three sizes, is basically a longer version of the sweatshirt.

Jacqui herself sees them as an ideal after-swim coverup, or as an extension of the summer “slide” idea, worn with jeans, shorts, or even alone as a mini sweater dress.

The idea is a New Zealand follow-on to the trend enjoying enormous popularity in Hawaii, and on Australia’s gold coast. Aptly labelled. “Jacqui." the white sweater-dresses are painted with two to three large tropical flowers in icecream shades. Hibiscus, orchids. spiked lilies and poppies all add to the variety of choice.

All Jacqui McKenzie's work is individual, so no two designs are created exactly the same.

For each garment she selects one tropical flower, working with tonal shades of one colour. A little use of green foliage and the occasional hint of metallic glitter add dimensional appeal. Her initial designs included multi-coloured backgrounds. However, as with all new design concepts subtle changes are inevitable because of demand. And demand is high — throughout the country boutiques and department" stores have been making enquiries, and popularity has grown from what started out to be a leisurely hobby.