19 November, 2016
While
a student at NYU, London-born and LA-raised Harley Viera Newton began DJing at weekly parties
among friends. Irrefutably talented and palpably cool, her
reputation spread through the city and what started as a hobby
quickly turned into a fully fledged career. Her big break came when
Dior contacted her about a DJ ambassadorship and she became a
household name within the fashion industry, going from performing
at small, smoky bars to global fashion shows and swanky A-list
events. “It seemed far too good to be true… but somehow it was
real. I ended up working with Dior for three years,” Harley
recounts. “It was definitely a turning point of my career.”
Inspired by her personal style and busy life, Harley decided to
create a line of dresses for every girl-on-the-go that could be
worn year round. Uncomplicated, feminine and versatile, HVN dresses
allow you to do just about anything – and in Harley’s case,
everything – while still looking on-trend.
I’ve had a really strong vision of what the HVN dresses would
look like since high school. I fell in love with vintage growing up
in LA, and dresses soon became my everyday uniform. After building
up a pretty big collection, I longed to update the classic vintage
styles I loved so much. I imagined specific prints I could never
find in stores and considered which fabrics would make the dresses
feel and flow better. When I graduated from college, I began to
save money and research how to make those ideas a reality. I
launched HVN in June 2016 but spent two years preparing and
sampling the silhouettes and fabrics before that.
I created these dresses hoping that they would make women’s
lives easier. I want the HVN dress to be the no-brainer,
comfortable piece in your wardrobe that you can throw on when
you’re late for work and have five minutes to get ready in the
morning. But I also want HVN dresses to be fitted and flattering
enough to then transition into the evening with a quick change of
accessories. The silhouettes are simple and classic, but the prints
are personal and conversational to give the styles a fun twist.
Through designing the first HVN collections, I really fell in
love with print design. As HVN evolves, I’m experimenting with
other styles that the prints can lend themselves to well. Stay
tuned for the autumn collection…
I think it’s really important to be aware of the commitment you
are making. It is all-consuming (in the best way) and an
extraordinary amount of work so you have be 110% dedicated. I have
designer friends who warned me about this, so I was careful to wait
until the time was right for me and I knew exactly what I wanted to
create.
My mother Cristina and brother Dean were incredible throughout
the early stages of the process. They had a jewellery line together
a few years ago, so their experience and advice was invaluable. My
fiancé has been my emotional support system – I couldn’t have done
it without his encouragement.
Tokyo.
Stay in Shibuya, eat breakfast at the fish market and shop in
Harajuku.
– A short-sleeved HVN dress and a strappy HVN dress (right now,
I’m packing the vine-print silk Maria dress and Lily falling
floral-print silk slip)
– HVN silk eye mask and Tempur-Pedic travel pillow, both
in-flight essentials
– Biologique P50 toner and Caudalie travel-size beauty
elixir
– Bose noise-cancelling in-ear headphones
– HVN cherry pyjama set
– Fiji water