About Chocolat
Chocolat is a label designed to celebrate women with curves - the classical ideal of beauty. The Chocolat woman has a true diva presence. Think screen legends such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor or the modern-day domestic goddess, Nigella Lawson.
With unique design and styling, Chocolat brings out that magical quality which made the likes of Marilyn Monroe a legend – confidence. Confidence that comes from an inner understanding and acceptance of who you are. Confidence that comes from recognizing how good you feel in clothes created for curves.
Unique design, beautiful fabrics and attention to detail have ensured these feminine and flattering clothes have a dedicated following of curvy women from size 10 to 22. Chocolat creates the complete wardrobe. From funky leisure and café wear through to intelligent work wear co-ordinates, the collection caters for all occasions – from relaxed casual through to sophisticated evening vents.
Designer
Jane Mabee joined the business in 2002 to create the first Chocolat collection for Winter 2003. An award winning designer with success both here and internationally; Jane has won several Benson and Hedges awards, including the After Five section and the Wool Award. Her label was also showcased by the Benson and Hedges Show.
She represented New Zealand in a spectacular show of international designers, all chosen to
celebrate the 2OOth anniversary of the world’s first branded textile, “Viyella” held at The
Goldsmith’s Hall in London in the late 80’s. Jane’s label “Betsy Ruff” strutted the catwalk amongst Dior, Versace and Ralph Lauren to name but a few. “....it was surreal...sitting there amongst the icons of fashion, in a great hall, dripping with gold leaf and chandeliers......I was completely overwhelmed....”
Jane’s inspiration stems from “anywhere and everywhere...”. She is a graduate of Wellington Polytechnic’s School of Design and an avid collector of books on the art, literature and history of fashion, and her wide knowledge and understanding of fashion’s journey is quietly shared in the collections she creates for Chocolat. Jane’s extensive career includes eight years with her own store “Betsy Ruff”, with which she was one of the first designers to recognise the fantastic potential of Ponsonby Road, in Auckland.
Chocolat is one of four brands from High Society, a New Zealand based fashion company with a 40 year history. Others include Obi, Catalyst and Mosaic.
