‘Don’t Look Back’ is the name of Juliette Hogan’s Winter 2013 collection, and just reading the show notes before the first garment hit the runway, you were struck by the tone of celebratory confidence. “Our girl looks worldly and well put together, working garments with ease and sophistication,” reads the last paragraph – way to declare yourself!
Well, the collection easily lived up to its own hype. First outfits out were in take-no- prisoners ‘morange’ (probably in homage to the cult M.A.C lipstick shade) and a lace number had people down from me literally “ooooh”ing.
The first print looked a little animalesque – reminiscent of the striking signature print from her current collection that we saw three people wearing yesterday – and was knockout in a top and drawstring pant combo with morange drawstring.
Suspect Juliette is one of a small handful of New Zealand designers that could make a jumbo, print scarf – worn on the head and knotted under the chin – look cool. This one is a collectable, and was worn with an equally, instantly classic trench.
There was a significant glittery section but J Ho knows how to keep it cool, giving pieces a little sportswear treatment, like contrast matte panelling down the side of a sparkly skirt.
The ‘watercolour’ print was at its best in a quilted jacket – the second lot of quilting we’ve seen today (remember the fashion adage – “three’s a trend.”) The quilted jacket was also shown to adorable effect, in a navy and white polka dot, with matching drawstring pant. A black section will no doubt be loved by the Juliette Hogan fan who no longer needs to buy her black pieces anywhere else – and the black faux fur jacket was a knockout.
The Eclipse dress saw body-con come to Juliette Hogan to stunning effect – first in stone and black and later, even more effectively for its freshness, in the gorgeous ‘cross stitch’ print. Oh, and you can adorn the latter with a cute as pie matching bag.
If it were the top of Juliette Hogan’s game‘ her fans and very-soon-to-be-fans could be very happy – but it’s plain that there is lots more creativity, intelligence and energy in this designer. We’ll be honoured to continue travelling with her.
CLICK HERE to view Juliette Hogan NZFW12 – Runway
– Julie Roulston
Images: Giana Patel
