A Design Steeped in Heritage
The Rangi Ruru Old Girls’ Association (RROGA) has unveiled a new project that beautifully weaves together history, artistry, and legacy. In collaboration with New Zealand fashion brand Dark Hampton and designer, Rosetta Brown (Class of 2015), the association has created a stunning piece of memorabilia: the RROGA Petite silk scarf.
When alumna Rebecca Cresswell (Class of 1995) envisioned a unique scarf for Rangi Ruru alumnae, she knew it had to be authentic, high-quality, and symbolic of the school’s rich heritage. A longtime fan of Dark Hampton scarves, Rebecca had an appreciation for the brand’s craftsmanship and reputation for producing curated, timeless pieces.
Driving home from a RROGA Committee meeting, with a newly arrived Dark Hampton parcel on her passenger seat, Rebecca had a “what if” moment: What if we created something bright and beautiful that appealed across generations of the RROGA and wider Rangi Ruru community? What if this piece could support fundraising efforts, enabling the RROGA to continue its valuable work, while also supporting a local business connected to the school? It felt like fate. Of the three women behind Dark Hampton, two are parents of current Rangi Ruru students, with one of them, Kate Brown (Class of 1994) seen above on the right, being a proud alumna as well. Excited by the possibilities, she floated the idea with both the Dark Hampton team and the RROGA Committee–both of whom were enthusiastic about the project.
With everyone now on board with the idea, the next step was to secure an artist to design the scarf and bring this artistic vision to life. Enter Rosetta Brown, (Class of 2015)–a first-class honours graduate from the University of Canterbury’s Ilam School of Fine Arts and recipient of the prestigious Seagar Prize. Rosetta infused the design with historical and aesthetic significance, ensuring the scarf would be a true reflection of Rangi Ruru’s essence.
The inspiration for the RROGA Petite silk scarf came from a feature of Te Koraha, one of Rangi Ruru’s most iconic and historically significant buildings. The intricate patterns found in a stained-glass window in what is now the boardroom provided the foundation for the scarf’s design. The shapes surrounding the gold octagons are reminiscent of the petals seen in the plasterwork of Te Koraha and in the whakairo (carving) at the entrance of Mana Wāhine. Rendered in rich, gem-like hues of gold, royal blue, and claret, the scarf is a striking tribute to Rangi Ruru’s legacy, a wearable piece of art that alumnae can cherish for years to come.
Scarves have long been treasured as timeless accessories that tell a story, and the RROGA Petite silk scarf is no exception. It is a symbol of connection, a celebration of Rangi Ruru’s past, present, and future, and a tribute to the school’s enduring values. Whether worn as a statement piece or gifted as a meaningful keepsake, this timeless accessory is more than just a fashion statement–it tells the story of Rangi Ruru in a way that is both elegant and deeply meaningful.
