Look from the runway at Jimmy D’s New Zealand Fashion Week 2017 show.
Jimmy D was first up on day three of New Zealand Fashion Week 2017 and the brand chose Unity Hall at 323 Queen Street, which is the beautiful old building that used to house the Huffer basement. Whilst it was raining cats and dogs outside, inside guests were greeted with hot coffee and delicious doughnuts from Doornuts to brighten up the morning.
Designer James Dobson had cleverly utilised the space so the models walked through interconnecting rooms, one that was crisp white, the other covered in graffiti which provided a perfect backdrop for his beautifully subversive collection. Titled “The Volcano Lovers” Dobson drew his inspiration from French volcanologist couple Katia and Maurice Kraftt who worked and died together, somewhat ironically at a volcano in Japan. Their dark yet romantic story was a fascinating place for the designer to create his latest collection from.
Silver (a favourite look of the couples) was omnipresent in the collection, whether shimmering from the model’s cheeks or glinting off of a reflective statement coat, chain embellishments, buckle fastenings or from the stunning oversized jewellery in collaboration with Meadowlark. In a brilliant touch crushed silver was digitally printed onto silk crepe de chine which was made into relaxed dresses and trousers.
The presence of the couple was also felt in tongue-in-chic collaborations with artists Andrew McLeod who created t-shirt prints that featured skeletal figures embracing. While Parisian graphic design collective Ruiz Stephinson made the couple into a metal band and created tour tees and singlets for their fictional tour.
The garments themselves comprised of a cohesive range of men’s and women’s pieces that stayed true to Jimmy D’s androgynous aesthetic but with romantic ideals. The womenswear featured softly flowing dresses that were beautifully bias cut and draped. We loved the blue pinstriped looks that had billowing silhouettes but were belted at the waist for a sophisticated shape. Voluminous additions of tulle referenced the explosive nature of volcanos and upped the drama of the collection. Menswear had a nonchalance emphasised by relaxed shapes, dangling chains and those amusing band tees.
We couldn’t have been more charmed by Jimmy D’s inventive collection and were completely bewitched by his presentation, almost enough to take up volcanology but we’ll probably stick to fashion. When it’s this good, we’re all in.
Soundtrack: Alternatively grungy then upbeat for the finale.
Beauty notes: Shimmering silver faces by Kiekie Stanners for MAC Cosmetics.
Hot Item: Couldn’t get enough of the pinstriped pieces in blue.
Images by James Yang Photography.