For AW11, eveningwear label Thurley have introduced footwear, handbags and jewellery for the first time. Jewellery was a logical next step for a brand known for its highly embellished attention to detail. Some of Thurley's pieces come so heavily, opulently encrusted in beading, they're almost jewel-like already. The footwear and handbags are also welcome additions in a market that can sometimes feel starved of Australian produced accessories.
The label's accessories debut features weighty bracelets and necklaces in gunmetal grey, that have been shown stacked up models arms, or worn singularly for a more delicate effect in the lookbook.
The handbag range consists of subtle evening clutches in hardcase and envelope styles, while the footwear offering sees opened-toed booties and peep toe court shoes bump heels with a very sexy pair of thigh high wedge boots.
The Dr Zhivago inspired collection goes in a darker direction than Thurley's usual airy fare, while still offering the fine silks, printed fabrics and detailed sequin and lacework we've come to expect from the brand.
Shapes are structural, cradling the figure without sticking to it, and there's been a great use of draping throughout the range.
Handbags, footwear and jewellery aren't the only areas into which Thurley is expanding this year. The brand also looks set to significantly increase its retail presence. At the moment there are four stand alone Thurley stores in Australia, but a spokesperson for the brand says that by the end of 2011, that number will have jumped to 15.
This kind of growth is very ambitious, but given Thurley's impressive stockist list, and fairly universal appeal among the fashion conscious and the social set alike, if there's any brand that's likely to succeed with this sort of venture, they're it.
Thurley's AW11 collection will be dropping into stores from late January. Their jewellery, shoes and handbags will be available exclusively through their stand-alone boutiques.
www.thurley.com.au