Lūu’s installation at The Accessories Showcase at New Zealand Fashion Week 2017.
New Zealand Fashion Week’s Accessories Showcase brought together a range of four up and coming accessory labels, from jewellery to small leather goods and handbags.
Showcasing a brilliant range of highly coveted jewellery was Lūu, whose silver and gold toned collection caught everyone’s eyes against a bright lapis blue background. Designed and handcrafted by Luzette Godinez and inspired by her love of sacred geometric energy and Mother Earth, the collection featured a beautiful mix of both strong geometric shapes as well as the delicate forms found in nature. Circles, stacked 3D squares and wiggly lines were all worked into the collection giving the pieces a delightfully unusual quirk. For a delicate statement piece, we loved an extraordinarily ethereal necklace made up of circles, semi-circles and short lines.
Also showcasing a range of jewellery was EMBR, whose nature-inspired range had us fantasizing about dreamy beach and forest escapes. This range featured minimal decoration and the handcrafted pieces’ simple textures and silhouettes gave the range a polished yet raw aesthetic. Large flat round earrings with gentle uneven ridges, sterling silver chain link bracelets with unevenly sized eyelets and statement brass earrings were all part of this delicate collection. We loved a pair of simple, squiggly silver earrings that epitomized EMBR’s signature modern and relaxed luxury style.
In another installation was Empire of Genius, whose innovative range of leather goods was a true testament to their name. Models in this installation wore a variety of harnesses and belt-like pieces, and attached were a mix of both small and large leather bags and pouches. These items were linked together by adjustable chains and detachable keychain hooks that hung off the wearer’s arm straps, belts and harnesses. Fabricated from both beige, black matte and patent leather, the items retained a classic air while showing an ultra innovative way of sporting leather goods. Showing unique usability and excellent craftsmanship, this eye-catching range seamlessly infused practicality with ultra-chic, avant-garde design.
Last, but not least in the showcase was MT bags, designed by Marfiya Tatlik. Models wearing chic black and white shirt and trouser ensembles held simple yet stunning square bags in both matte and glossy crocodile leathers. The pairing of the bags with these looks highlighted the brand’s emphasis on superb craftsmanship and subtle elegance. Also featured in their collection was a range of shoulder and handbags featuring colourful embossed natural patterns.
Soundtrack: Easy listening house tunes.
Beauty: Bright red lips and eyes with metallic gold flecks.
Hot Item: Leather belt and bag combination from Empire of Genius and a gold, double finger ring with a 3D Aztec-inspired pyramid from Lūu.
Images by Katherine Tuenter.