Celine Rita’s debut at this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week showcased a collection with a captivating aura of magic that instantly had me under her spell. 

Her latest ‘Addicted to love collection’ explores the darker, paranormal side of 1990’s culture, with inspiration drawn from her fascination with witchcraft and the supernatural.

Rita’s key influences were the bewitching movies of the time, such as ‘The Craft’ and ‘Practical Magic’.

Her styling references the aesthetic of the empowered supermodels of the era, including Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Kate Moss. Lips were donned in a rich shade of terracotta, and eyes featured a soft, brown contour and long, pretty lashes.

Hair was accessorised with rosette embellished combs and left loose to emphasize long, flowing, romantic curls.  

Fluid, floor-sweeping maxi dresses and skirts sashayed as models strolled insouciantly down the runway; knee-length, off-the-shoulder dresses and cute minis amped up the flirty factor, whilst blazers bedecked in playful prints added a little bit of charm to the collection.

The colour palette provided a visual treat, consisting of rich reds and ocean-inspired blue greens amongst the more neutral shades of wintry white and seductive black.

Fabrications were divine, and offered in a variety of colours and textures.

Crushed red velvet oozed luxury, and was married with dainty black lace, whilst soft, dreamy silk chiffon created an ethereal feminine allure. Wintry white wool was featured in tops and jumpers and displayed a seemingly 3D texture to it. 

Delicate floral motifs of viscoe, and a print Rita has coined as her ‘ballet print pattern’- (a colour combination of blush pink, soft taupe and white), emblazoned dresses, skirts, blazers and tops. 

Rita’s exceptional attention to detail was evident in tops featuring cut-out panels and open backs, multi-strapped dresses and tops, and maxis containing thigh-high splits. 

The line contains classic silhouettes and soft, demure cuts allowing for freedom of movement.

Standouts include; a floral mini paired with a red velvet turtle-neck top, featuring cut-out detailing on the back; a knee length aqua-coloured dress featuring cut-out detailing on the décolleté; and a sassy little red velvet dress which sat seductively around the shoulders.  

Celine Rita’s riot of colour, beautiful detailing and coveted fabrics will have every girl in town, lusting after several must-have garments.  

Her label is constantly evolving and exploring new creative possibilities.

Addicted to Love is Rita’s most daring collection yet, pushing the boundaries of previous collections, whilst still retaining the playfulness and feminine charm of which represents the label’s signature.  

- Juliet Forde

Imagery - The A List