Finale at Ruby and Rain NZFW 2019. Image by Getty Images.
This group show saw the New Zealand Fashion Week debut of three New Zealand brands, and what a great way to make an entrance. It was a show filled with personality, and we saw all three brands embracing animal print which continues to be very popular.
The show opened with a video clip from Lemon Tree on screens either side of the runway, then their models hit the catwalk. Different animal prints, stripes, and vibrant colours like reds, blues and pinks all featured in pieces that ranged from dressy to casual. We saw textural elements like faux furs, leathers and suedes, with frills being a major feature of a few pieces. All of the collection was incredibly wearable, with two of the stand outs being the animal print trousers that came down the runway early in the show and the mustard, black and white vertically striped trousers that closed the show.
“I’m tired of being told by others how I should live my life, and I want to express myself and show my personality by the clothing that I choose to wear.” The voiceover that opened plus size label Ruby & Rain’s collection summed up the label’s approach to fashion and why they are so popular. Their range was an absolute hit with the crowd, with plus size models and Instagrammers taking to the catwalk in different coloured animal print (mustard, blue and green really stood out), playful colours and Ruby & Rain’s classic floral prints. There was a nod to the 90’s with styling including white t-shirts underneath spaghetti strap dresses, and a number of both casual and more dressed up looks showing the versatility of the range.
Closing the show was new active label Rhind, from White Chalk’s Hayley Rhind. With neutral colours like black, white, olive and animal print, this collection looks ideal for mixing and matching. The crop tops with scrappy ribcage detail were the stand out pieces, and it was great to see pieces that can be worn for a variety of activities, as well as being able to be worn casually – the athleisure trend is still very much a favourite for a lot of people.
Beauty notes: The hair for this group show was created by Gina Mason and the Matrix team. The hair for Lemon Tree was an 80s vibe with voluminous curls and lots of movement but smoothed back at the sides. The look for Rhind was a mid-pony with curls for a sporty vibe. The look for Ruby & Rain was soft and beachy with a “next day hair” feel.
The makeup for the group show was created by Bailey Grant and Kristin Stewart from Kristin Stewart School of Makeup. For Lemon Tree and Rhind, the makeup look had a very 80’s vibe to compliment the hair, with glowy, peachy tones but more of a defined sculpt in the cheekbones. There was a soft smoky eye and a soft nude lip. Rhind had a similar look with a more glossy lip and “sweaty” looking highlighter to compliment the sports look. Ruby & Rain was full glam with heavy foundation, contoured face, peachy, metallic eyes and a nude lip. Beauty Notes by Nina Franklin.
Soundtrack: An eclectic mix that included George Michael and Eurythmics.
Memorable moment: During their final walk, Ruby & Rain’s models carried signs encouraging people to do things like show their shape, stand out, and wear the things that plus size women are traditionally discouraged from wearing such singlets, crop tops and big prints.
For NZFW 2019 Backstage blog coverage click here.
Images by Getty Images.