Finale at Federation’s New Zealand Fashion Week 2017 show.
Federation stomped back onto the New Zealand Fashion Week runway before a packed house who were hotly anticipating their fresh new Winter 2018 collection. DJ Dan Aux and a live performance by Kings set the tone for the killer collection to come, with a hot set of club bangers that had the crowd tapping their toes from the second the models stepped onto the runway.
Founder, Jenny Joblin, has an incredible eye for mixing classic streetwear sensibilities with her love of quirky design meaning Federation’s collections are always unique. For Winter 2018 the collection is called ‘Gentle Savages’ which celebrates the brand’s tradition of juxtaposing ideas such as the edginess of streetwear with luxurious high-end design.
The opening look comprised of a camel trench worn over black shorts and a long-sleeve black tee with Federation emblazoned in gold across the chest. Slickly styled and teamed with black Converse high-tops it established that we were in for a cool collection to come, that was true to the brand’s signature aesthetic.
Joblin designed the womenswear in sweet pastel hues with pops of scarlet, purple and mustard alongside classic black, white and grey. The essential hoodies, tees and sweatshirts featured a lion’s face motif, spray-painted crosses, the brand’s name (as is a streetwear essential) and the motto ‘We are all here for the ride’. They were layered with covetable coats and jackets in faux-fur, denim and shearling paired with skinny jeans, casual pants and pleated skirts.
A sprinkling of sequins, subtle ruffles and a cute lipstick print (that is from a limited edition tee) kept things feminine while the Federation banded tanks and leggings upped the cool factor. Joblin insists that everything be practical and comfortable which means these clothes are as great to wear as they are to look at.
Designer Ben Dundas took care of the menswear with plenty of skinny denim, leather jackets and bombers keeping the guys looking fine. Striped shirts, longline knits and roomy coats kept things grown up while the casual hoodies, tees and sweats featured Federation’s branding, the ‘Gentle Savages’ motif and a men’s version of the limited edition lips tee.
It was without a doubt a very confident outing from Federation and full of so many stellar pieces that the brand’s many loyal fans will be hard pressed to narrow down their wish-lists.
Beauty notes: Neutral faces with eye-catching lines and squiggles of black or white. Makeup by Lisa Matson for L’Oréal Paris.
Soundtrack: It doesn’t get better than a live set and Dan Aux and Kings killed it.
Hot item: It’s a toss-up between the stunning red finale dress with a lion motif and the beautiful blush shearling coat but really we want it all.
Images by Katherine Tuenter.