Having just returned from Annah Stretton’s Living Dolls show, I am finding myself still in complete awe at the sheer awesome-ness of the collection. 

The show started off with a very cute vibe – presenting dozens of pastel coloured looks adorned with bows and pretty rosettes.

With lots of tulle, lace, silks, and luxe velvets, an elegantly feminine collection was exactly what was required on a rainy Tuesday night.

Bows were very consistent throughout the collection – whether it was a mini bow or a substantially sizeable one.

These bows were substituted for mini rosettes as the show went on, keeping with the chic lady-like collection.

It was interesting to see very organic hair styles throughout the show – although hair was huge (and that’s exactly what we loved about it!), it wasn’t super hairsprayed and hard-shelled (like you would expect from a collection inspired by dolls).

It had free movement and the fly-aways reinforced the “living” component of “Living Dolls” beautifully.
 

When it wasn’t a design oozing with tulle or velvet, there were plenty of plaid jackets and dresses in baby pinks and powder blues that will help everyone channel their inner Jackie-O.

Structure was in at Annah Stretton this season, with skirts and sleeves stitched carefully to emphasise pleats and balloon-styles.
 

Ruched collars were also very popular, especially in velvet textures.

These came in light pinks and darker tones to suit all personal styles – making for an easy addition to any wardrobe for next winter

Tights were added to every outfit, and provided even more femininity to the collection (not to mention being a very practical and chic choice for the winter months). The tights featured were mostly light coloured, with big leafy prints.

There were also simple nude fishnets, which created a more modern look for a variety of the outfits.

Towards the end of the collection, out came darker colours and more ominous designs – introducing the colour black into an otherwise pastel-toned range.

The sparkly balloon dress above, with its bubble sleeves and metallic sequins is perfect for a stylish night out. The satin rosette belt cinching the waist is a very cute accessory, and the rosette design diversifies the look from the bows featured earlier.

A very stylish collection from a very stylish designer: the perfect end to a fun Tuesday out at NZFW.

 -Lena Aseeva

Photo's courtesy of The A List