Reporting from NZFW: Kahuria next week, our editors share their hopes, dreams and handbag essentials
Phoebe Watt, Editor-in-Chief
Whose show I’m most looking forward to
Juliette Hogan. It’s been nine years since their last fashion week runway in 2014, one year before I attended my first NZFW as a Fashion Quarterly intern. I’ve heard all about the magic of Juliette’s collections come to life, and I am so excited to finally see it with my own eyes.
Most memorable NZFW moment from a past year
My first ever NZFW show. I forget the name of the collection but most in the industry still refer to it affectionately as ‘Twenty-Seven Names in the rain’. The clothes were preppy, the palette was blush and grey, the creative direction was by Aotearoa’s arguably-best stylist Dan Ahwa, the soundtrack was ’90s R’n’B and the weather was Auckland on a cold August morning. I wouldn’t have traded my Row F seat for anything.
Essential prep for the week
A lash lift and brow tidy at Off & On. The less time my face takes to come together in the morning, the more time for my let’s-keep-things-normal routine of two slices of Vogel’s spread with thick peaks of cold butter and a gesture of Vegemite, eaten on the couch while listening to an episode of the And Just Like That writer’s room podcast.
Heels or flats?
My 25-year-old self will be side-eyeing me from that Row F seat but my days of running between shows in 12cm stilettos died in the pandemic when I discovered sneakers. I’m currently all about the Asics Gel-Kayano. Weather permitting, my beloved Jonathan Anderson for Loewe Nail Polish sandals may get a single outing.
5 handbag essentials
Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush in Orgasm (nothing says ‘I’m alive’ after an 18-hour day like improbably rosy cheeks); noise-cancelling headphones so I can whip up show reviews to the CNS-friendly sounds of Cat Calming Music (a real Spotify playlist of ‘soft music to calm down cats, kittens and their humans’); a bag of baby carrots, for my health; the Acne Studios Toronty Logo Scarf in brown/orange from Workshop (in essence, a socially-acceptable comfort blanket); and a bottle of Clonazepam should none of that touch the sides.
The handbag in question (if money was no object)
The beautiful, crescent shaped Celine Ava in Tan that just arrived at Faradays and is causing me many intrusive thoughts.
A song/soundtrack that will send my serotonin through the roof
I’m being workplace bullied for this, but I just think if I was producing a runway show, I’d be seriously considering the optimum length of Taylor Swift’s All Too Well (10 Minute Version).
Mental + physical health hack
I just had to be lightly Heimliched at my desk after choking on a vitamin C tablet, so probably not that.
Personal daily affirmation
Underdogs, overdogs… let’s hear it for them all.
What being at NZFW: Kahuria 2023 means to me
Nothing compared to what it means for the designers and producers and everyone behind-the-scenes that has been on this stop/start journey for the past four years. My whole heart is with them this week. I’m so excited to see what they have for us.
Keep up to date with Phoebe at @phoebewatt
Ava Wardecki, Senior Fashion Writer
Whose show I’m most looking forward to?
The new talent is always the biggest drawcard for me. The creativity, the tone they choose to set, the first impression you get one shot at. If I had to name names, Rory Docherty Williams.
Most memorable NZFW moment from a past year
Without hesitation, Campbell Luke’s 2019 debut. I’m sure anyone who was there echoes the sentiment that it wasn’t just a showcase of impeccable craftsmanship, it was a visceral moment where the sense of pride was electric. I had the pleasure of sitting beside his proud father, who wonderfully set the stage by sharing with me notes about the taonga brought into the show and Dr Bobby’s journey. It marked the first time I welled up in a show too, and that’s something I can’t forget.
Essential prep for the week
I’d liken my prep to a Real Housewives pre-reunion ritual, sans the spray tan. An eyelash tint at Off & On, liquid silver nails by INCO, a haircut from Blunt Edition and icy highlights and toner by my saviour Kenji at Killer Hair. High maintenance, who? Also, clearing out as much of my laptop’s memory as possible to safeguard against storage issues when tech tensions are (inevitably) running high.
Heels or flats
If it’s not a leather loafer, it’s a block heel to achieve the perfect balance between a lift, and keeping my arches happy. Jo Mercer’s Kyra heels are my go to – to the point that I own two of the exact same pair.
5 handbag essentials
Westman Atelier’s pink bubble Vital Pressed Skincare Powder to compensate for the facial that wasn’t, and a gargantuan brush to apply it; Image MD Restoring Eye Masks from About Face; a couple of $1 lolly bags for a sugar hit; and my notebook and pen. There is truly nothing more heinous to me than someone taking notes on their phone during a show.
The handbag in question (if money was no object)
A Vintage Chanel 2.55 Double Flap. I have the uniform-dressing sensibilities of an old bourgeois, after all.
A song/soundtrack that will send my serotonin through the roof
I’m still hanging out to hear Rammstein play on the catwalk. Until then, it’s blasting through my headphones, blocking out the cooing that goes on in the media room. A tried and true NZFW deadline saviour, I tell you.
Mental + physical health hack
Emotional support bone broth and late night poached eggs.
Personal daily affirmation
I am not as important as I think I am. None of us are.
What being at NZFW: Kahuria 2023 means to me
It’s a privilege to see its return and renaissance. It’s a moment of inspiration and experimentation – especially thanks to the flurry of emerging designers involved this year – and that’s something that I think deserves celebration.
Keep up to date with Ava at @AvaWardecki
Bella Wright, Digital Producer
Whose show I’m most looking forward to
It’s so hard to pick! I’d say I’m most looking forward to both the Graduate Show and Chaos & Harmony. Not gonna lie, I’m pretty pumped for the Jockey show too, haha.
Most memorable NZFW moment from a past year
This will be my first NZFW! I’m so excited to make some incredible memories with the incredible FNZ team and other show goers.
Essential prep for the week
I’m expecting the week to be pretty full on, so personal prep will be key – haircut, brows, lashes and nails are booked. I’ll also be taking a leaf from The Devil Wears Prada and brushing up on my knowledge of the designers so I feel super confident in my role. No tagging the wrong brand on social media, worst nightmare!
Heels or flats
A fan of both, I’ll be adopting a ‘play smarter not harder’ mentality and rotating between the two. Heels one day, flats the next and so on.
5 handbag essentials
I like to think everything in my bag is an essential – even the gum wrappers from two months ago. But I’ll be having a clean out before NZFW and will replace the junk with a travel size perfume, a compact mirror, my film camera, a trusty portable charger and of course, a fresh packet of gum.
The handbag in question (if money was no object)
The Proenza Schouler Medium Baxter Leather Bag. It looks smart, and I love the adjustable strap that can take it from a crossbody to a shoulder bag, making it super versatile to style.
A song/soundtrack that will send my serotonin through the roof
When I picture myself getting ready (rushing) the first morning of NZFW, the song that plays in my head is Sound of da Police by KRS-One, so I’d have to say that banger.
Mental + physical health hack
I plan to keep myself well fed and energised during the week. This will mean making a b-line to the catering at each event as well as replenishing my NoDoze supply as needed.
Personal daily affirmation
Here’s to staying booked, busy and blessed.
What being at NZFW: Kahuria 2023 means to me
I’m so beyond grateful for the opportunity to attend NZFW Kahuria this year for the first time. It means so much to me – not just to be invited to attend shows and events, but knowing I am part of an amazing team that I can count on to guide me through the experience. Ten-year-old me who was obsessed with Girlfriend and Creme magazine would be so proud of the fact that I’m getting ready for my first NZFW.
Keep up to date with Bella at @bellajwright
Kiekie Stanners, Guest Beauty Editor
Whose show I am most looking forward to
Rory William Docherty
Most memorable NZFW moment from a past year
Most of my favourite memories are of those curious, backstage environments unique to off-site shows. Mostly Stolen Girlfriends Club. I think my favourite was doing makeup in the boys’ locker rooms at Western Springs Speedway for SGC in 2014. We were set up amongst the bench seats, surrounded by the motivational posters on the walls (Teamwork! Leadership!) and we captured all pre-show beauty content from the shower block.
Essential prep for the week
Nails by Miss Maisy Nails. As a makeup artist your hand is photographed so often, the thought of undone nails makes me feel so sloppy now.
Heels or flats?
Heels, always.
5 handbag essentials
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Hot Gossip; Peanut Butter + Jelly Frooze Balls; AirPods; Harman Grubisa Fluff coat that I can’t live without in Auckland’s changeable Fashion Week weather; and gum – multiple packs.
The handbag in question (if money was no object)
MM6 Margiela Circle Bag in Croc. Would definitely lose all of the above handbag essentials in the bottom of this dream bag, but how beautiful is it.
A song/soundtrack that will send my serotonin through the roof
Keep on Shining by Curtis Harding.
Mental + physical health hack
Eat real food. No late night cheeseburger drive-thru, no Red Bull in place of food, even if they are offered up to you.
Personal daily affirmation
Please don’t rain this year! Please don’t rain this year!
What being at NZFW: Kahuria 2023 means to me
After being involved with NZFW in one way or another over the past 20 years, 2023 marks the first time I’ll be experiencing shows as intended, from front of house. I’m so excited to champion the industry from a new perspective! I know exactly how much goes into putting on a show, or a week like this, and how many people within the industry pour their hearts and multiple hours (and tears) into their particular areas of execution. There’s nothing like a fashion week to bring people back together again, and I can’t wait to see what the industry has been working on.