03 Magazine: March 08, 2024

Feature | Magazine 37
“I’m very aware of what her performance is going
to be and how the light will reflect the fabric, and
how that movement in the garment adds to the
performance, never to distract from it.
“It’s also about understanding how energetic the
performance is going to be, how quick the changes
are going to be.
“In the earlier days, I might need to build in places
into the garment for the microphone pack to be
hidden. I also need to think about the choice of
fabric, it needs to be quite robust.”
The overall goal, says Tanya, is for Julia to have
confidence in what she’s wearing.
“It’s something she doesn’t have to worry about,
it’s taken care of.”
And if Julia’s lavish praise for the Dunedin designer
is anything to go by, goal achieved.
“Tanya knows what she’s doing when it comes to
flattering the female figure. Her cuts are impeccable
off the rack, but if you have the luxury of having her
fit something to you, it changes the way you think
about how clothing can make you feel and look. I
highly recommend it.
“Something I’m particularly grateful for is how
she’s elevated my stage dressing. For most of my
career I’ve performed in variations on the theme of
jeans-and-singlet, but collaborating with Tanya has
boosted me out of that zone without sacrificing
comfort and movement.
“And, of course, she’s great company –
compassionate, energetic, and funny as f*ck.
Our friends’ marriage may not have lasted, but
our friendship has positively bloomed!”
See Julia Deans in conversation with
Chancing It on April 5 and Tower of Song
on 7 April 7, both at Lake Wānaka Centre
as part of Aspiring Conversations.
RIGHT: Photo: Bruce Mackay