Intellectual. Its the word often employed to describe New Zealands moody, antipodean atmosphere evoked by clothing through monochromatic colour palettes and textural layering. But it means more than that. In a world of trend-based fads, intellectual describes a designer who is determined to evoke ideas through dress, and go about this in an inherently unique way.
Enter Lela Jacobs. Whether it was her upbringing in various rural enclaves (all picturesque as hell  Motueka anyone?), or the idyllic, naturalistic setting in which she now creates her work, the Lela Jacobs brand, like each piece, has developed slowly, delicately and in-whole.? Her inherent attention to detail is evident in the finish, her quality fabrication inherent in the drape, and her collaborative approach inherent in both the creative community surrounding and supporting her, and team she works with to build each piece of each collection.
These elements merge with directional inspiration to create a series of ephemerally androgynous pieces, and at 30 years old, Jacobs is set to release her fifth official collection, further cementing her look, brand and appeal.