“When I first received my Resene colour, Top Notch, it reminded me of tranquillity, calm, moody, and serene.

It reminded me of a crystal I’d once come across, Malachite. At the time, I mainly associated Malachite with wealth, not fully understanding its properties. I’d seen pieces of it at auctions, often going for incredible prices ($10 million for a vase), and I thought of it as a luxury item.

Over the weekend, I visited my parents and started clearing out my old room. Tucked beneath a pile of forgotten books on my desk, I found a Malachite tile. It had once belonged to Anne Marie Radmeyer, a close family friend who sadly passed away from bile duct cancer in 2018.

Anne Marie came from South Africa in 2006 then entered our lives in 2010, when my mum began cleaning her house. They quickly became best friends. My younger sister and I would often visit, swimming in her pool with her son those visits became a summer tradition throughout our childhood.

Anne Marie was a strong, deeply kind woman who always put others before herself. In 2016, my mum organised a fashion show to showcase her vintage clothing collection and invited Anne Marie to model. Only afterward did we learn she had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, she hadn’t told anyone. That was just who she was, she never liked anyone knowing her personal business, full of pride.

Finding that Malachite tile again felt serendipitous almost like a quiet sign of protection. In ancient Egypt, Malachite was believed to ward off the evil eye, symbolising healing and spiritual safety.

Malachite itself is ever-evolving its textures and patterns shift through volcanic activity, weathering, and hydrothermal changes. It made me reflect on how our own bodies change too how cells transform, adapt, and respond, just like this remarkable stone.

For my Resene garment, I’ve created a dress inspired by the unique textures and depth of the Malachite tile a tribute not only to its natural beauty but to the strength and spirit of Anne Marie.”

In honour of Anne-Marie Radmeyer, 1964-2018