Marina Davis’ resume already looked impressive prior to her launching ethically minded Ovna Ovich. After studying at Massey University, Toi Whakkari and Central Saint Martins in London, Davis worked as a textile breakdown artist for Sir Peter Jackson and head designer for like-minded sustainable fashion brand, Kowtow.
Materials then function always come before aesthetics when designing says Davis – her collections feature naturally renewable and biodegradable fibres, trims are chosen for their sustainable characteristics and all production is done in New Zealand. And while Ovna Ovich is a relatively young label, it has already been recognised for its sustainable edge – Davis’ label has been finalist in the Global Sustainable Fashion Awards and is an Ethical Fashion Forum Fellowship 500 Member – a group of global sustainable fashion innovators. “Usually a thought will pop into mind that intrigues me and that I want to spend some time with. I then base the theme of the collection around that, which informs the palette, forms, and setting,” says Davis. “My aim is to layer a meaning underneath the work and to also weave in references to the current times.” Her new collection, Chapter Seven: Always the More, Never the Less, which was shown at New Zealand Fashion Week, is available now.
We think: Davis’ materials-first approach is to be admired.
She says: “An inquisitive, free spirited, self-assured yet kind woman who enjoys feeling effortlessly elegant,” is in mind when designing.
Must-Have: The Niko shirt and Segdah dress – two versatile pieces we see transcending seasons.
