The show opened with Prodigy’s ‘smack my bitch up’, accompanied by darkness dominated by a minute of strobe lights before the first model made her mark. 

The introduction of the collection, with its combination of ominous music and leather-on-leather, referenced a motorcross culture influence, but as the show progressed, the former theme was reincarnated to resemble a more gothic aesthetic with a sassy feminine twist. 

This clash of cultures and style represents the label’s signature aesthetic, which the designers have self-proclaimed as “wearable, directional and feminine without being overly sweet”.

Their usual irresistible staples of dresses, pants and shorts, were featured in a colour palette of burgundy, fire-engine red, navy and gold, and reworked for a sharper and more mature young woman. 

Fabrications were luxurious, featuring long and free flowing silks, figure hugging knits, quirky prints, pleats, and stripes in a trio of colours.

Leather biker jackets, shorts and trousers added a youthful, rebellious edge. Lace underwear, by ‘Lonely’, the brand’s eponymous lingerie line, was layered under jackets and sheer outerwear.

Racers back dresses, high necklines, asymmetrical hems, and loose shirt backs featuring cut-out panels, echo the brand’s impeccable attention to detail.

Standouts were a deep red, silk chiffon maxi dress that gave extra mileage to pleats, a lace bustier layered with a leather biker-style jacket, and complimented with high-waisted lace shorts, and a lovely sleeveless, full-skirted beige dress featuring their latest quirky print. 

Accessories were a key feature used to create the gothic look, with thick leather chokers in red and black worn with the majority of outfits.

The makeup also played a significant role in creating the foreboding look.

Eyes were emphasized with red block liner on the upper lids, skin was creamy and au naturel, and strong highlighting was used to create fierce cheekbones, and a hydraluminous complexion. 

This year’s Fashion Week installation showcased a well-honed emphasis on cuts and silhouettes; quality and craft; coveted fabrications and original prints, highlighting exactly why Lonely Hearts continues to be one of New Zealand’s best loved fashion labels.

- Juliet Forde

Imagery - The A List

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."