It is with great pride that we acknowledge the hard work and effort required by Georgia Hensley-Smith and her mother Faith in getting accepted to show a collection in the upcoming Fashion Weeks in both New York and Milan.

Geo was part of the Hagley School of Fashion in 2016 and 2017 and Faith was in the Jewellery course over this time. This year Faith joined the School of Fashion for the pattern-making component to help Geo with her collection.

In today’s world these opportunities are made, not given, and it is a testimony to how driven Geo has been to get this opportunity on the world stage. What Geo and Faith have shown us is that even from a small place like New Zealand, without huge corporate backing or even a purpose-built studio, dreams can come true if you are willing to get yourself out there and create a following in the world of fashion. It is inspiring to see the teamwork involved and how the unwavering support of family can facilitate such an ambitious goal in such a short space of time. The collection is beautiful and I am confident it will be received with enthusiasm at both shows. It blows your mind to think that at 18 years of age a collection of your work will be seen in two of the fashion capitals of the world by some of the key players in the industry.

We wish you both the very best and look forward to your safe return, armed with some of the best fashion stories we are likely to ever hear.