Havilah on the runway at New Gen NZFW 2018. Image by Katherine Tuenter.
The New Generation Showcase is always an exciting part of New Zealand Fashion Week, with a glimpse at some of the country’s promising up and coming designers. This year we saw lots of bright colours and ruffles making a strong appearance, something we’re sure will be very popular.
The show opened with LVLD, an Auckland based streetwear brand whose pieces focused on very cool wearable embroidered detail and came in a palette of black, red, white, olive and grey. The clothes themselves were very unisex and wearable with tees, hoodies, beanies and bum bags (yes, they are very much back in style), with cool embroidered details including anatomical hearts, scorpions and the slogan “Be Nice Or Fucking Leave”.
Next up was Olli, who brought us all of the ruffles and then some. There were very high necks, shirred detail and extreme flounciness; super cropped tops with very long sleeves, and did we mention the ruffles? Culottes made an appearance as well, with a very wide leg and looking perfect for hot summer days. The looks were accessorised with tiny glasses and socks worn with slides and the collection came in muted tones of white, light green and pale purple, allowing the ruffle details to really make a statement.
Ethically-made gender neutral label Starving Artists Fund was third to hit the runway with their collection Future Plans. The pieces were both structured and flowing, and the designer drew inspiration from water sources and creatures like the frill neck lizard – shown in both the fabric choices to the silhouettes of the garments. We saw fitted garments including pencil skirts and slim high waisted trousers beautifully juxtaposed with big balloon sleeves and structured shoulders, with the collection coming in blues and blacks and silvers.
Closing the New Generation show was Havilah, with a celebration of bold colour and femininity. It was unapologetic with the contrast of soft floaty fabrics and more structured pieces, clashing colours and lots of ruffles. Oranges, blues, pinks and purples really stood out in this outspoken collection.
We look forward to seeing what all of these talented New Gens create in future.
Beauty notes: The New Gen makeup team was headed by Claire Randall from Kristen Stewart School Of Makeup and featured an edgy makeup look with a white strip over the eyelid and a white strip under the eye, with a sun-kissed face and a pale pink lip, as well a second more subtle makeup look featuring the ever popular super bronzed and glossy eyelid and lip. The hair team was lead by Sara Allsop from Dharma and also featured two looks— The first being a loose unstructured bun sitting at the nape of the neck and the second a more oriental style with a slicked back mid, centre bun with a flick at the end. (Beauty Notes by Nina Franklin).
Soundtrack: An eclectic mix that included Kanye West and Destiny’s Child.
Memorable Moment: The light purple tulle dress from Havilah was a definite showstopper!
Images by Katherine Tuenter.