The Workshop and Helen Cherry show last night at Auckland’s Town Hall was again split into two vastly different presentations. 

The ‘look’ for Workshop was all about 50’s and 60’s Rock n’ Roll, rebellion.

Both collections were inspired by the vintage biker look and the rich library of reference that creates.

They referenced 50’sTeddy Boy styling with skinny cropped jeans and fitted biker jackets.

The mod influence was present in a (Quadraphenia-esque) quilted, fur lined parka over a neat slim cut suit. 

Black leather and featured heavily for both women and men in the form of cropped jackets, vests, skirts and a highly covetable leather and jersey dress. 

A studded effect was created throughout with metal snap buttons. The faux stud gave interest to lumber jack shirts, school girl shirtwaisters and denim mini dresses.

Workshop’s collaboration with visual artists continues this season with Max Gimblett. His hand was visible on hand painted jackets and shirts. The bold, red painted capture the energy of his artwork ‘The Red Sea’ and the Skull prints used throughout (a long-time icon for Workshop) reflect Gimblett’s ‘Delacroix and Caduceus.’

With this up-to-the-minute, slightly younger collection Workshop prove to their loyal fan base, they’ve still got it and with this rock n’ roll collection they are sure to draw in some new fans for next season.

So, from one rock n’ roll reference to the next, Helen Cherry describes her A/W 12 collection as “I imagine a very well-dressed, well-bred woman who had run off with the band, circa 1975.”

The look was much more refined than that may imply, with a tailored silhouettes featuring throughout. A 30’s and 40’s influence was present in full gathered sleeves, pussy bow blouses and high-waisted tailored trousers.

For evening wear the ‘Trouser Skirt’ has “all the ease of a men’s pant and the elegance of an Yves Saint Laurent muse and each outfit was given added mystery with the addition of a large brimmed fedora.

Fur made a comeback in the form of collarless, cropped rabbit fur jackets, a bold statement-making ¾ length coat and my (personal favourite pieces) bags with chunky gold chain handles.

The colour palette again, was retro. Vibrant Yves Klein blue and lipstick red, popped over delicate rose prints and neutral leopard print chiffon.

Helen Cherry has a beautiful, elegant collection on her hands yet again. She describes her muse as the busy, modern woman, for whom she strives to create the perfect wardrobe and I think she may have gotten pretty close with this range.