Tees for a Cure is back with limited-edition designs supporting breast cancer research in New Zealand. Twenty-five of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top designers have joined forces to design the tees for this one cause. Their goal: 5,000 tees to help fund up to four new projects. Every purchase supports Kiwi scientists finding earlier detection, better treatments, and a future free from breast cancer.
We speak to some of the designers below…
ADRIAN HAILWOOD
Tell us about the inspiration behind the choice of swallows for your tees?
The welcome swallow (warou) is one of my favourite birds, from Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince where the little swallow’s love and devotion, though heartbreaking and poignant, conquers with love. They are given the name welcome swallow because their appearance was considered a herald to spring.
How do you hope the design resonates with those affected by breast cancer?
My lovely friends Helene, Sarah and Maria have all been through their breast cancer battles and have come out the other side, thankfully. The swallow tattoo print signifies a sense of precious partnerships, shedding the past to herald the new. Helene and Sarah both have the warou tattoos which have special significance to them both.
How do you see this tee helping to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research, while still being something people love to wear?
I feel this warou print tee is a joy of spirit and being. A tattoo-inspired print, it works well on both women and men, both mixed and matched with your favourite jeans or under a blazer at night.
ELLE + RILEY
Elle Pugh + Yolande Ellis
Your tee features the phrase ‘Cheers to the Girls’. What inspired this toast, and what message do you hope it conveys to those who wear it?
The phrase ‘Cheers to the Girls’ came from a place of wanting to create something that felt unifying, a little playful, and ultimately uplifting. It’s a toast – to the women we love, to ourselves, and to the women we’ve lost. There’s a bit of a double meaning in there too, which we liked. It’s both a nod to our community of women and a gentle reminder to look after our health. It’s a celebration of womanhood and strength, with a sense of lightness and togetherness.
How did you infuse your signature style into this?
We wanted the tee to feel like us – simple, beautiful, considered. Even though it’s different from our usual cashmere pieces, being a little more playful, we still approached it with the same mindset: that what you wear should feel good, have meaning, and last. We chose a soft pink shade that feels fresh but still timeless, and the design is clean, wearable, and a little cheeky in a way that feels empowering rather than loud.
As designers, what does it mean to you to contribute your work to such an important campaign?
As designers – and as women – being part of a campaign like this means a lot. We’ve had close friends affected by breast cancer, and sadly, we lost someone very dear to us this year. So, contributing something creative and heartfelt to help raise awareness and funds felt really natural. It’s a small gesture, but one made with love, and we hope it resonates with everyone who wears it.
REPERTOIRE
Leanne Luijken
What inspired this design, and what message do you hope it conveys to those who wear it?
We love flowers – as many women do! To us they feel like a perfect symbol of women: beautiful, resilient, always growing, always moving forward with a quiet strength no matter what life brings.
How do you hope your design helps raise awareness and start conversations about the importance of early detection and support?
We hope that this bold, feminine, and striking design generates curiosity, naturally opening up conversations about the amazing work Breast Cancer Cure does. The simplicity and strength of the design are what make it so powerful and attention grabbing.
As a brand known for empowering women, what does it mean to you to contribute to a campaign that directly supports research and patients?
Empowering women is at the heart of everything we do, so being part of these campaigns feels especially meaningful. It gives us the chance to direct our creativity to something bigger than fashion – raising awareness, funding vital research and standing with those who need it most.
Pre-orders placed between 6 October and 9 November will be delivered from 9 December.
Find out more at breastcancercure.org.nz.
