NZFW Insider Blog: Day Two

Look of the day: windswept

High winds hit the entire north island today, which set a bit of a challenge for our exhibitors in the main tent. Shows were delayed to sort “wind issues” and inside the lights swayed threateningly above the catwalk. But as the saying goes; The show must go on! And it did..

First stop Ruby.. with the harbour bridge part closed and the gods of parking not looking in my direction, it seemed like all odds were against me making the show. As it turned out the doors closed moments before I reached them. Several other sad faces huddled around the coffee table as the music bleared out. As more people arrived and joined our group, we decided this was not a satisfactory outcome! We started to explore, looking for places to peak in and questioned mystery doors. A moment later, through a garage door, across a car park and through another door, we were in the make up room! Models dashed past and make up artists sat back content after a busy mornings work. Best Coast, Boyfriend was playing – a current fav, and I caught sight of some peach ruffle shorts and a black patent trench with matching rain hat – too cute for words! A pair of blue and white tartan trousers teamed with a forest green coat zoomed past, all too quick to capture and properly take in. A moment later it was over and the roar of the applause indicated it was a great show. I’m pleased to have been a very small part of it, and a bit of adventure always makes for a better story!

Back to the main tents.. highlights of the morning shows include Brandy’s caped dress in an olive green and their gold cape satin top. Sabatini screened a beautiful video for their ‘artist and the muse’ theme. Its well worth a watch and you can do so here.

For his returning show, Jimmy D set an army of red eyed goths on the crowd. Floor sweeping skirts tied over slashed tights and mixture of silk and grungy printed cotton tops reminded me of a 90’s rebellious school moment. Please come back again next year James!

Alexandra Owen brought an intriguing design aspect to the day. With quilted coats, ruching, pins and tucks in all the right places, it was a stand out show. The focus on texture was carried right through to the fabrics used, you just want to reach out and touch them.

It has been a full day with alot of waiting around due to show delays. Absolutely no time to dash off for food. A sneaky trip to Burger Fuel before Nom D was definitely a welcome and happy moment. One chook royale mini combo please!

On the NOM D invite we were advised there would be no seating, and to bring our feet! Good advice. When the large steel door finally rose to let excited show goers in, we set eyes on a large installation. It was in 3 sections; white dining room, a flattened car and derelict garden, and a bedroom, with the quilt and pillows cleverly made out of vintage suspenders and bras. The collection was shown on the models as they interacted in their space. As the show progressed the models got more and more experimental, throwing meringues, climbing on furniture, ripping cushions, making out, smoking, feeding each other. It was a feast for the eyes! The entire performance was filmed from various angles so keep an eye out for online postings.. I’m certainly looking forward to reliving the experience. In the meantime check out our online gallery from the show here:

So day two down, two more to go.

A hair trend that I noted very popular among show go-ers: the Alexa Chung dark hair with blonde roots.

Can’t wait for tomorrow!

Greta van der Star