Closing look on the runway at Benjamin Alexander NZFW 2o19. Image by Getty Images.
Benjamin Alexander was first up on Day 3 of New Zealand Fashion Week 2019, kicking off the second full day of shows with an elegant presentation at Quay Project. There has been a lot of anticipation around the release of the designer’s first proper collection and excitement was high as attendees arrived at the light-filled heritage building to see his creations first-hand.
In his show notes the designer said that the show and collection ‘is about our home, our friends, and our family. It glorifies everything and everyone in our lives that we love. Each aspect has been considered and investigated to it’s fullest extent and everyone in the process is what it in itself represents, for without them, we are nothing.’
With that level of detail and the high calibre of the brand’s makers and suppliers the debut collection from Benjamin Alexander was sophisticated, intelligent and oh so chic. The opening look was comprised of a taupe oversized shirt with ruffle trim worn as a dress and a black bodice also trimmed with ruffles worn over the top, a black beret and black mid-calf boots completed the ensemble. It set the tone for a curated collection of 15 looks that reflected the designer’s considered aesthetic and sustainable approach to design.
The looks the followed included clever use of proportion and volume with ample sleeves and full flowing skirts contrasting with mini skirts and a sliver of a bandeau top worn by Benjamin Alexander muse Gracie Lambert with a white fitted skirt. Feminine silhouettes were created by serious leather belts that were tied just so. Gingham featured on two maxi-dresses that each had a 90’s feel as well as on a tailored shirt. The fabrications were tactile and luxurious with the designer utilising some beautiful natural fabrics in neutral tones as well as some eye-catching metallic silver to make a statement.
The designer closed the show with a floor-sweeping white gown in a billowing shape that had a particularly angelic feel and was a gorgeous look to finish with. After the models had done their finale walk Benjamin appeared to thank the crowd and rushed over to give his mum a big hug which was a lovely moment and brought cheers from the room. No doubt the designer will be pleased with the rapturous reception for his first proper show and he has truly cemented his place as one to watch.
His first show naturally was the best place to debut his collaboration with Mi Piaci with the designer including the elegant footwear he has designed with the popular footwear brand. The limited edition range of mules, boots, slingbacks and loafers is available now in selected Mi Piaci stores and online and will likely sell out quickly.
Benjamin Alexander is also hosting a pop-up shop for customers to shop his first collection tomorrow from 1pm at Quay Project, Level 1, 106-108 Quay Street. His footwear collab with Mi Piaci will also be available to shop too. If you like what you see don’t miss out on your chance to buy some winsome pieces from this brilliant young designer.
Images by Getty Images.