Accessories Showcase NZFW 2019. Image by Getty Images.
Vash, the well known label formally known as MOOI, was well represented at NZFW this year with a spot in the Accessories Showcase with four other New Zealand based designers. Known for their animal print cow skin handbags and clutches – they had all the bases covered. They have an ethical, low waste, considered design, making sure they have minimal waste during the production process. Using the hide as their base, they make full use of embossed crocodile patterning, paint splattering, fringing and the aforementioned animal prints. My personal favourite is the Mickey Black Shaggy Clutch in a long haired cowhide. With shapes that can accomodate laptops, iPads, boxy bags, clutches, they have pretty much everyone covered. Most bags come with removable straps to add to their versatility. I particularly liked the wide hide bag straps.
Pēke is the brain child of established Māori designer Taongahuia Maxwell and her daughter Tyla TeKanawa-Maxwell. Taongahuia works under the clothing label Kahu Huia. I was impressed with her collection “Niho Fusion” at Miromoda NZFW 2018. The collection referenced the use of tartan patterning in traditional weaving patterns called Niho. Mother and Daughter have a great love of handbags but couldn’t find one that was ethically made but also representative of her Māori heritage. They even scoured opshops to see if they could find any. So the Rotorua based designers decided to make what they couldn’t find. Tyla is the Weaver and Taongahuia found or designed the handles. The end result are Kete that are not what nana wove but rather brightly coloured and patterned, box shaped with leather or wooden handles. Easily something that could work for the modern woman’s wardrobe. I loved the plain box shaped Kete with a black leather handle (also loved the turquoise patterned bag as well).
Hattitude is the Parnell, Auckland based store who do all things hats. I know this because I have been with one of my daughters when she bought a very fabulous navy wide brimmed hat for a music festival. She still has the beautifully made hat hanging on the wall at home. It is the ONLY hat shop in New Zealand and a huge range of traditionally made hats… bowlers, fedoras, panamas, berets, trilbies, even top hats to name just a few. Hats made from cloth, felt, straw, leather – they supply hats from around the world to suit most tastes. What is seriously not to love about a good trilby on a gentleman?
Good&Co is the brain child of Lillie Toogood. With a deep love of photography, travel and textiles her printed scarves are the perfect collision of the three. Combined with her design talent (she has in the past worked for Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper, and Camilla & Mark). Each Good&Co piece is based on a photograph taken during her travels. With a very practised eye she chooses bright but never gaudy images that when translated onto a silk chiffon scarf always look effortless and chic. It is almost impossible to recognise the image when it is being worn, and it is only when you lay the large scarf/wrap out that you can see the image clearly. She also does a range of silk crepe neck scarves in navy, blush pink, coral and blue. She also has a range of beautiful chunky gold rings in five styles which are classic and covertable. My favourite print is the Study 1 made from linen and cotton in bright turquoise, teals and reds.
Kim MacKay is the force behind jewellery label Wicken. The practise of Wicca is very much at the heart of the design and execution of every piece of jewellery. According to MacKay “The pieces are beautiful, strong and full of Magick.” She wants the wearer of her pieces to be their best selves and to feel empowered by the Goddess within. Using silver and gemstones, she makes rings, necklaces and cuffs for both men and women. The palette of pinks, purples, blues and amber tones are gentle on the eye (And spirit one would assume). My pick of the collection would be the Peach Topaz Love Nest Ring in Silver – delicate but beautifully shaped.
Images by Getty Images.