Chocolat is the distinctive celebration of life! Luxurious, flattering, confident styling designed to celebrate women with curves. Confidence that comes from an inner understanding and acceptance of who you are.
Jane joined the business in 2002 to create the first Chocolat collection for Winter 2003. An award winning designer with success both here and internationally; Jane has won several Benson and Hedges awards, including the After Five section and the Wool Award. She represented New Zealand in a spectacular show of international designers, all chosen to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the world’s first branded textile, “Viyella” held at The Goldsmith’s Hall in London in the late 80’s. Jane’s label “Betsy Ruff” strutted the catwalk amongst Dior, Versace and Ralph Lauren to name but a few. “…it was surreal … sitting there amongst the icons of fashion, in a great hall, dripping with gold leaf and chandeliers … I was completely overwhelmed…”
Jane’s inspiration stems from “anywhere and everywhere…” She is a graduate of Wellington Polytechnic’s School of Design, and is an avid collector of books on the arts, literature and history of fashion. Her wide knowledge and understanding of fashion’s journey is quietly shared in the collections she creates for Chocolat. Jane’s extensive career includes eight years with her own store “Betsy Ruff”, with which she was one of the first designers to recognise the fantastic potential of Ponsonby Road, in Auckland.
My inspiration this season has come from the 1940’s, when, at the end of World War Two; four thousand British women came to New Zealand as “War Brides”.
Having become engaged, or married, to our boys from the New Zealand forces who fought to defend our allies in the Northern Hemisphere, at the end of the war, these women followed their loved ones to the other end of the world. Packed onto decrepit converted troop ships they lumbered across the seas on their six week voyage.
My mother, Molly, was one of these brave young women, who at the age of twenty three, married my father, Milton, an officer in the RNZ Navy. As Dad was still assigned to his ship, Ajax, he returned to New Zealand with his company, whilst, Mum, set sail alone, to a country she had never heard of, and a new life on the other side of the world.
Those were days of true romance, adventure and new beginnings for all!
“Summer Memories” remembers the beginning of the war, as the Summer of 1940 faded away. This will be our first delivery for the season, perfect for late summer weddings and special occasions. We have an exquisite exclusive print ‘Green River’ that mixes soft feminine water colour hues of Celadon Green, Wisteria and Old Rose. The many pieces will suit any occasion, as you mix / layer or accessorize to your own personal taste. Ideal for trans-seasonal dressing, and great for those overseas invitations, as very easy to twist ‘n’ pack!
“We’ll Meet Again” ... my parents met at a 21st birthday party in 1945... This group is all about romance, warmth, and protection. Exquisite pieces in soft colours of shell pink and dove grey. Beautiful pieces for at home or a mid–winter occasion... snugggle into a gorgeous fur wrap, or cocoon yourself with gentle pieces of fine knitwear in our dreamy cashgora blend.
“In the Mood” ...... Mum and Dad danced to this Glen Millar classic. A huge hit, from the Big Band era in the U.S.A. Here you will find fabulous day wear pieces in great colours, to wash away the winter gloom. Shelter from an Autumn shower in the gorgeous Bespoke coat. Relax in the viscose ‘Atmospheric’ print knit pieces...simplicity with a little ‘twist’
“Goodnight Wherever You Are”.......... with their men defending the liberty of the homelands, the women of Great Britain were often alone, without any clue as to their men’s whereabouts. This group offers wonderful ‘every day / any evening’ dressing in our viscose rich ponti. Mix with the vibrant 100% cotton ‘Udine’ print and top with a fabulous 100% Merino knit in rich colours of Ruby Red, Violet and Jet Black.
“A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square”....another romantic ballad.....and another group of wearable winter pieces in stunning colours of Violet, Cyclamen Pink and Saffron. Again mix with the versatile Squad, ponti must-have pieces.
My grandparents had lived in Hong Kong for many years, and when the Japanese invaded, Grandpa was taken prisoner. Thankfully he survived the horror and the family rejoiced at his return to England in time for Christmas’45. ... my parents announced their engagement at the same time.......and married four weeks later on January 25th 1946
“’ll Be Home for Christmas” ... a selection of elegant mid winter party pieces.... dresses and seperates, in brocade, velvet and lace.
My mother published her memoires, entitled “Jewels on my Journey” to commemorate her 80th birthday in 2003. I have named the final group in celebration of Mum’s story, as it is full of beautiful jewel coloured items in Liberty silk and Cotton....vibrant brocades...and our stunning exclusive print, ‘Winter Rose’ .......available in a classic Chocolat ‘frou-frou’ skirt, a gorgeous soft coat and wrap jacket. These three pieces will also be available for early delivery, to capture the late summer wedding season.
“FROM THIS DAY FORWARD” remembers those brave ‘war brides’......many of whom were highly likely your relatives too! Those post war days were tough and fabric and clothing was in extremely short supply. Mum tells me that she dyed her old school shirts different colours, along with shoe laces to match, to make her own personal fashion statement as a young woman! How lucky we are today..................
- Jane Mabee CHOCOLAT DESIGNER