In 1993 Kate Moss wore a Liza Bruce see-through slip dress to a model agency party. She had her picture taken, a beer in one hand, cigarette in the other.
Paris Mitchell and Georgia Cherrie, living across the other side of the world in Auckland, were both three years old on the night of the party. They were too young to understand the impact of the picture yet.
Kate became the poster girl for nonchalant style. And years later her shot helped forge one of New Zealand's most exciting fashion labels, one that's tapping into the nostalgia for the '90s – Paris Georgia Basics.
Best friends and business partners Paris and Georgia make uncomplicated season-less clothes based around the idea of making the ideal pieces every wardrobe needs. There are blush slip dresses, a mini dress (worn by model Phoebe Tonkin on her birthday) and slouchy silk suits that can be thrown on whenever.
'We only started everything about a year ago," says Georgia, "and it's just picked up like crazy.'
Their label had an unusual start. The two friends were setting up a vintage site, The Mercantile, and wanted a few simple, contemporary pieces to sell alongside their Comme and Jil Sander. They began filling the gaps themselves and ended up with a small collection which they sold on the site. In came the orders.
'I think it was really simple at the beginning. We were looking at our own needs and wardrobe and being like 'What do I wear every single day? What do I mix and match and what's a key piece in my wardrobe,'' says Georgia.
'I am a jeans girl and I am always in a slip. They're so versatile. It's winter here at the moment and I am wearing one with a turtleneck. In summer it's just so light and easy to wear it by itself. I get so lazy now I've got to start wearing something new.'
But the formula needs little adjustment. Designing for themselves is clearly working.
Vogue Australia recently featured the friends showing the various ways to wear their clothes and women worldwide are taking notice (New York designer and boutique owner Maryam Nassir Zadeh's a longtime fan).
It won't be long before their basics are staples in many a wardrobe.
