RUBY - NZFW 2011

Early this morning I woke up giddy with anticipation of Ruby’s runway show, ‘Capital City,’ which was also set to debut their new label, ‘Liam’.

The show was held inside a warehouse in Grey Lynn and on arrival, sweet and savoury breakfast treats, and flutes of champagne were aplenty.

The show was packed to the rafters and opened first with Liam’s debut, and a live Indie-style band.

The collection was very sophisticated and elegant with dresses, blouses and skirts featuring soft silhouettes and demure cuts- creating an ethereal sense of beauty. However, the range also demonstrated a preppy feel to it with charming coats, cardigans and blazers paired with straight leg trousers and denim jeans.

Necklines of dresses and tops were very lady-like with sweetheart, assymetrical, boat-neck and high halter-type styles featuring throughout the range. A standout dress for me was the ‘black tie dress’ featuring a thigh-high split, a low cowl back and bow embellishments on the shoulders.

The line was injected with a shot of high-voltage colour, with turquoise, colbalt blue, jaffa orange, and red featuring as highlight hues. Other colours in the range were more muted with tones of grey, pink and navy featuring in very soft shades.

The luxurious fabrications upped the ante, with the use of gold lace and a metallic cotton used in blazers and shorts. Prints went from one extreme to the next with subtle white floral patterns bedecked on sheer fabrics, and bright 3D floral designs dominating full-flowing dresses and long-sleeved tops.

Ruby’s show followed with an upbeat soundtrack, complimenting the futuristic, psychedelic, tribal wears that strolled insouciantly down the runway.

The fabrications, prints and colour palette made a bold statement and were a definite nod to the future. The collection consisted of strong prints of an Aztec-like tribal nature, and brightly-hued geometric digi-prints. Silks in both matte and metallic variations were used in dresses and blouses and exuded luxury. The sight of metallic vinyl sent jaws to the floor, and was featured in bustiers, dresses, shorts, and stovepipe pants. My favourite was the ‘metallic tunic’ in teal, which consisted of a two-tone combination of vinyl and chiffon.

The collection also featured Ruby’s signature winter pieces including their snugly coats, loose-fitting knit sweaters, shift dresses, and full-skirted mini dresses. The palette was a visual treat, consisting of deep, rich hues of plum, olive, navy blue and charcoal. At the other end of the spectrum were hues which commanded attention including jafa orange, yellow, and metallics in turquoise, silver and gold.

From casual-wear, to work-wear, to party-wear, it was all given a fun, quirky edge. The label’s ability to deliver consistently covetable pieces and push boundaries have fuelled its cult following of keen fashionistas who will most definitely be in lust with this latest collection.

- Juliet Forde

Photo's courtesy of NZFW - Michael Ng