Hailwood A/W 2011

Adrian Hailwood's much anticipated show at New Zealand Fashion Week this afternoon was bursting at the seams with eager fans, keen to assimilate his latest offering. The collection was an ecclectic mix of vintage and futuristic inspirations, a heady mixture of colour and texture with highly appealing results.

Hailwood cites LA photographer Alex Prager's imagery of women as inspiration. While the connection wasn't obvious, the feel was very much 70's disco meets avante garde 80's club kid or futuristic it girl. Rich chocolate browns, emerald greens and gold evoked a warm 1970's feel, which fed into slouchy striped knit tees, oversized polka dots on a silk velvet tunic, and of course look of the moment, double denim shirt with low slung flared jeans. Luxurious gold and emerald fabric draped elegantly around the body featuring in a grecian wrap dresses and matching jacket. Delicately cowled sleeves on a blush silk top rounded out the warm vintagey mood.

All of these rich tones clashed beautifully with the acid brights, and sculptural origami-esque pieces that followed. A Bold yellow body con skirt paired with a cropped grey cable knit will have everyone lusting after sunny shade. While the more sculptural pieces could be considered simply show pieces by some, a simple black mini dress adorned with large folded circles of fabric and a bandeau constructed from the same, brought a new level of excitement and daring to an other wise, easily wearable (and highly covetable) collection.

Article by Julia Dick

Photography c/- Hilary Johnston

Click here see the entire runway gallery of Adrian Hailwood's show at New Zealand Fashion Week 2010