Elusiv—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “Spirit”

“Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.” — Leonardo Da Vinci

The spirit is the vital force that exists within living things; Elusiv is the menswear label that embodies the spirit of today’s intuitive and stylish Kiwi man.

“Every item of Elusiv clothing is defined by a story of its influences,” says designer Nicola Reilly. “There is distinctive detailing that instills in each garment the quality, fit, fabric and structure of the spirit of New Zealand,” she says.

Elusiv understands versatility like no other with the summer range promising ready-to-wear clothing that requires next to no styling; these pieces will become a lasting part of any man’s
wardrobe.

Both casual and formal pieces cater to every guy’s summer needs. Structured waistcoats to relaxed fitting tees, every occasion is covered with a range of print designs and sleeve lengths.

The jewel of the Elusiv summer collection however, has to be shirts. “We have really focused on shirts this season: shirts for work, weddings, race days; wherever you want to look sharp, there is an Elusiv shirt to fit the bill,” says Reilly.

The collection features Elusiv’s characteristic neutral earthy tones, punctuated with stunning cobalt blue and the purity of white.

Kiwi men will be proud to get dressed into the spirit of New Zealand with Elusiv tees that integrate designs of traditional New Zealand culture with a fashion forward element; and now that Reilly has her own screen-printing facilities, there are new designs available every week at their online store at elusiv.co.nz.

Let Spirit from Elusiv be your style guide this summer.

New Zealand 2010-11 Spring/Summer Series: (Remember, your winter may be Kiwi summer!)
Doosh—Spring/Summer 2010-11 in New Zealand: “Wild at Heart”
Rembrandt—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “Goldeneye”
Trix & Dandy —Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “Dazed but Not Confused”
Wayward Heir—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “If I’m Alive, I’m Swinging”
21 Grams—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand: “Sicker than your Average Bear”
Silverdale—Spring/Summer 2010/11 in New Zealand

Photos 2010-11 s/s collection “Spirit” Courtesy Coco PR, Copyright Elusiv.

Elusiv: “Enduring” Fall/Winter 2010

Now celebrating 5 years of European-influenced men’s fashion, the New Zealand label Elusiv is presenting a remix of all that, which designer Nicola Reilly represents.

“This collection is all about sophistication and understated style,” says Nicola. “I want guys to have fun with the way they dress. They shouldn’t feel restricted or pressured to dress a certain way. It’s all about breaking free of the mould.”

The collection is based on Elusiv’s most successful items, which have been handpicked by Nicola herself: tailored coats and jackets, fitted jeans and pants, stylish t-shirts, and a wide assortment of accessories—all of which are designed to last long with little upkeep.

While these items are the most Enduring of a man’s wardrobe, the color palette is completely reminiscent of the rugged New Zealand coastline.

“They are stormy colors,” says Reilly: “colors of a West Coast beach after a high tide.”

Photo Copyright Elusiv.

Elusiv—All but Eludes the Best in Kiwi Rugby!

Currently located in Mt Maunganui, Tauranga, on New Zealand’s northernmost bay, Elusiv was formed in January 2005 on the southern end of the south island in Dunedin. (I’m jealous too—just look at the beauty!)

Designer Nicola Reilly grew up making her own clothes as she “fixed up” hand-me-downs; thus, it was always her ambition to create her own business. One day, when the local rugby team in Dunedin expressed their need for team jackets, Nicola and several others converted the garage into a workshop and created 35 of them!

Being born in such a context of Kiwi virility, Elusiv is a decisive, strong, and assuredly masculine line of menswear that exudes inner confidence. At the same time, Elusiv dares to be different, teaching Kiwi men “how to break the rules and experience a very European way of dressing.”

“New Zealand men need to lighten up their palettes,” says Reilly, “but we are easing them into it!”

And sure enough! Elusiv has not eluded the attention of the Highlanders Super 14 rugby team, international rugby great Josh Kronfeld, rock star J.D. Fortune of INXS, or actor Benjamin Mitchell.

Recently, Elusiv has even introduced “littleman,” so that the little guys can follow in their dad’s footsteps.

Slideshow 2010 s/s summer collection Copyright Elusiv.
Photo top center Mt. Maunganui by Allan Lee, Copyleft at Wikipedia.