A reason to
celebrate
Meredith's first design collection with PENN.
What would you say was your main source of inspiration for this collection?
Event season is one of my favourite fashion seasons, it leans into the joy of dressing with a real focus on texture and shine. My inspiration for this very first collection was just that, joy, this is a dream come true and while I was thinking practically when it came to functional fashion additions to one’s wardrobe, I also wanted to get a little lost in the dreamy nostalgia and festive spirit.
The Inspiration
"You, who is reading this right now, you are who I had in mind when designing this collection."
When building this collection, did you envision a certain person wearing these styles? Who was the woman you had in mind?
One of the greatest gifts my career has given me is the many years of conversations on sets, in change rooms, designer fittings, big awards shows, on a plane, randomly on the street. I have been able to connect and hear from so many people about what works about their wardrobe, what doesn’t, frustrations and successes. This collection is a response to those conversations and so I hope women see themselves in it, because they are in it.
The collection
"Sparkle is my favourite colour because it always indicates that something fun is about to happen."
This colour palette is divine, where did you draw inspiration from when choosing it?
True style lies in the contrast. I wanted to create a colour and texture palette that played with both matte and shine, florals and metallics, soft drape and hard lines. It’s quite literally a palette party for party season!
What was your goal when building this collection?
The goal of this collection is two things, lean into the joy of dressing and solve some practical design gaps. I love that we have created a gorgeous black velvet three-piece suit with tuxedo stripe and satin detailing that we are offering those pants in 3 lengths (petite, regular and tall). This is a first for PENN. and I’m so thrilled to be championing that change.
The Celebration
What would you say is the professional accomplishments you're
most proud of so far in your long career?
To me, what have been key in every era of my career, are relationships. You can set your sights on something but once you get there, it only really matters if you look around and see other people there with you, that is the absolute truth. I’m very proud to have a career where I’ve felt supported and have supported others.
Do you have a favourite piece in this collection?
This is impossible to answer, every piece is my favourite, truly, because if it wasn’t it wouldn’t be in this collection. I am so grateful that PENN. entrusted me with this opportunity to design my very own collection and that is why the heart is in the logo because this has been created with so much love.
