It was a lovely, full and varied day down at the Viaduct Events Centre today and between us, Lucia and I took in seven shows.
A model showcases designs Dmonic Intent during the New Generation show
As always, the New Generation show was a stunning overview of the work of New Zealand’s clever young designers, working hard to make their mark in a climate where only the strong will survive.
Dmonic Intent is a family-based label, born in a Glen Innes garage. I was impressed with them last year at the Miromoda show, but in 2012 they’ve really come of age; edgy (yes, the current cliché, but it truly applies here), a bit of rough, yet well-oiled and well-presented.
I loved all the orange in designer Yujia Wang’s Silence Was collection. Simple, yet stylish, with fabulous tailoring in classic styles with a quirky edge.
A model showcases designs Daniel K during the New Generation show
Daniel K delivered more warm earthiness, while the fabulously named Arielle Mermin – whose collection I loved as soon as I saw her name – shows enormous promise, with a ‘70s inspired collection, which could be straight from the pages of US magaizne Seventeen. Style-hungry Antipodean youngsters devoured that mag back in those long-gone pre-net days!
A model showcases designs by Vinka Design during the Weddings Collection show
New Zealand Weddings’ show was a predictably pretty affair and unfortunately I was in a spot where I could only see the tops of most frocks, but again there was an interesting edge to many of the designs. I found myself longing to repeat my own wedding, 23 years ago, with a whole new look. The flowers were divine and my personal highlight was seeing the legendary Vinka Lucas, star of so many 1960s and 70s Weekly features, sitting in the front row, happily chatting to New Zealand’s most dapper gent, Colin Mathura-Jeffree, and beaming with delight when her talented daughter Anita’s designs made their way down the catwalk!
A model showcases designs by Riddle Me This
Riddle Me This is the label of Bay of Plenty designer Liz Turner. “I love to reference both history and pop culture – and I appreciate classic artworks as much as controversial graffiti.”
A model showcases designs by Trelise Cooper
The penultimate show on Wednesday was Trelise Cooper. This must be my sixth or so Fashion Week and every year she blows me away. Entering the shed to see hundreds of twinkling goodie bags parked up on seats, you knew immediately there was really no recession – at least in this designer’s imagination.
From smart daywear – almost austere and Victorian, yet utterly beguiling – to the look-at-me flamboyance of gold sequins and foil fabrics, the garments kept coming and the audience was delighted!
A model showcases jewelery designs by Kagi
I almost left without seeing jewellery label Kagi’s show, but the night was cold and cabs were in short supply, so I ventured back and was so glad I did. I’ve never seen such a highly choreographed affair at Fashion Week and at first – I admit – my own jaw dropped nearly as low as those of our local, icy Anna Wintour lookalikes. But the sheer, cheeky joy of the spectacle soon had me smiling and I was sorry when it was over. Think exotic birds adorned with exotic beads and you’re right on the mark. Stunning!
