Pretty Please.

Can I live in a D&G world?

NZFWeekend.

So on-top of all this crazy fashion week fun, there was a fashion weekend to add to the mix!

Having been to both a show during the official week, and the weekend event I noticed a huge shift in attitude towards us punters. The first thing (that I, being both a graphic designer and a fashion lover, found the most anoying oversight of the day) was the programe. A big newspaper style hand out that was given to everyone upon entering. On the front page in lare bright bold colours was a rundown of the shows/important events on during the day.

One would think if anything was incorrect it would be rushed to the printer upon discovering the mistake to be amended. Failing that, a sticker made to put over the top of the incorect information. Failing that a vivid and some poor minimum wage bugger sitting in a dark room writing over the printing error and even failing that, the peole handing it out could warn that the time of the much anticipated PWC New Gen show was actually midday, not 1pm as stated.

This may sound like a small complaint, and it is, but it is things like this, and the fact that the bouncers/herders/security men all had little idea of what was going on and gave conflicting information as to where to wait/sit/stand and that even the first show of the day ran very late all added to the feeling that a shift had happened over night, and that us public were well aware of our lack of importance.

Having said that, everyone was lovely and upbeat and I did make it to all the shows I hoped to see (only missing the first few models down the catwalk of PWC). And each show was well worth the wait.

First up was the Designer Selection Show. This was a great paced show with a really interesting look at present and future collections. It was very entertaining and there was always something to look at. I knew most of the pieces, but still felt like it was something new as it strutted down the runway. A really great way to get a feel for the week that has just been.

The New Gen show was a real crowd pleaser, with cheers erupting as Celine Rita's collection started, and for good reason. I think hers was the best and most cohesive of the lot. It featured many of the big trends of the week, floor length skirts and the new it colour - yellow. The standard of design was really up there and I also liked the look of designer Liz Proverbs for Riddle Me This.

But by far the best show for me that day was Sera Lilly, although I think she sent a few too many looks down the runway, I was excited, often on the edge of my seat and know for sure I will be adding many pieces to my wardrobe in the coming season. Check out her collection below.

So all in all the shows get a big thumbs up from me. The Garage sale seemed really well organised and everyone was super happy to help, but my lack of sleep and low tolerance for fighting crowds meant I personally didn't get much out of it, but I have heard very different reviews from those with a fighting attitude and coffee-fuelled strength on the day.

(all images from nzherald and nzfashion)

NZFW Stolen GF Club.

Dear Stolen Girlfriends club you are the epitome of cool. I wish I could dress my boyfriend in everything that graced your runway (well mostly the men’s clothes, but hell I would get a giggle out of seeing him squeeze into those sheer full length dresses too).

It was a really fun performance and I loved almost everything that came out. I think the men’s clothes were miles better than the woman’s, but in saying that I still wanted a few pieces for my own wardrobe. But mostly I wanted to be a man, so I could wear that incredible purple hydrangea suit.

(all images from nzherald)

NZFW Weddings.

I was incredibly lucky to attend the very first weddings fashion show ever at NZFW. It started off in typical fashion week style – late. Very late. But once everyone was in (and had gotten over the insane wind that threatened the lives of all in the Westpac tent on that gale force day), I could feel a buzz and huge excitement building for this NZ fashion first.

The show comprised of 8 designers showing a handful of pieces. Most were (obviously) wedding dress designers, but there was representation from Crane Brothers (men’s suits) and Modes showed a cute selection for kids.

My favourite designer was Louise Anderson. She was the only person to give me that real ‘moment’ when I literally couldn’t take my eyes off a dress and religiously watched it walk from one end of the runway to the other and back and forgot that I was in a room full of people.

Other than this dress I found the experience odd. I thought the gowns were impeccable, the music was a beautiful and well chosen accompaniment, yet the idea of watching the typically sullen model, do her hip-thrusting model walk down a runway has little resemblance to the faces/movements of those who will wear the dresses in reality. It seemed oddly misplaced, like seeing Carrie Bradshaw wearing a bra.

Apart from this underlying discomfort, the show was well organised and was a very interesting and beautiful collection of bridal wear.

(all images from nzherald)

NZFW Ruby.

I must say, I was really excited to see what Ruby was going to show. They have long been a fashion favourite of mine, and are often my go-to store for some retail therapy. Ruby maybe feels so close to my heart because I have watched it grow and evolve alongside me. (I faintly remember when they were the house of gem clad hoodies). So, with it being my first time at New Zealand Fashion week, I found it oddly fitting and endearing that it was Ruby’s too.

And I must say, I really loved the collection. It seemed hugely true to brand, being both cute and incredibly wearable. My favourite pieces were the bright red cigarette pants and the raccoon print jumper. The collection also featured some common looks that were shown throughout fashion week… full-length skirts, sheer fabrics and shearing jackets.

Congrats Ruby on both a lovely collection an your first NZFW show!

(images from nzherald & frontrowdiary)

NZFW Hailwood.

Wowsa what a busy week it has been. Fashion week is now over and I have barely scratched the surface of reviews and show recaps for you all!

To start, Hailwood. This was an early show, on the first day of fashion week, and it struck me as something interesting. I really like the way colour was played with, especially in the colour blocking tights (they look really fun). Most of the pieces are really nicely structured and the fabric choice is great. Although I enjoyed looking at the pieces that went down the runway, I wasn’t struck with the overwhelming need to grab my wallet and run to the nearest stockist (as I have for a few other shows). I was an interesting and cohesive collection, but it lacked something. It lacked excitement.

(all images from nzherald)

The shoe show.

Kathryn Wilson did her very first solo show at NZ fashion week yesterday. Being a shoe fan I was (and still am) besotted with the idea of just showing shoes... giving them the proper show they deserve! And, in my opinion, they did it very well. The raised catwalk, slightly distracting leotards, red lips and the shoes. Oh the shoes.

(all images from nz herald)

I take my (non-existent) hat off to you and will most likely be giving a lot of my paycheque to come!