Always a fairytale-like escape from a lot of the dark and edgy fashion on display during the week, NZ Weddings Magazine presented a beautiful celebration of wedding day finery from seven of New Zealand’s leading designers, with a wide range of looks on display sure to please any potential wedding party.
Beneath a glorious floral archway, the sensuous sounds of Nina Simone’s ‘I Put A Spell On You’ echoed through the space as the first label, Vinka Designs, sent a succession of winsome brides down the runway, first in four different vintage styles, then in gowns with lots of intricate beading and gorgeous lace.
Sera Lilly was up next and definitely upped the cuteness factor with her adorable little flower girls and pageboys who came down the runway holding hands to the delight of the crowd. She followed up with some sublime bridal and bridesmaid gowns in flattering styles and sweetly ended her display with two brides holding hands down the runway in a nod to the recent marriage equality law change.
Menswear took centre stage next, with a rock’n’roll soundtrack blaring from the speakers as the Crane Brothers collection of slick suiting in dapper styles took to the catwalk. Amongst the sombre charcoals and blues it was fantastic to see a stunning ivory linen suit appear and then a stylish burgundy velvet jacket for the more daring gent.
Alma Wong sent her models out next in some divine gowns in dove grey and ivory with mint green accents, in fitted column styles that contrasted with more flowing designs and ended with a frothy fairy princess-like creation, sure to make any bride the star of the show.
Vintage inspired glamour reigned in Robyn Cliffe’s collection next as her bejewelled creations in flattering silk and lace with long trains were complemented by fabulous head scarves which doubled as veils and added to the screen siren look.
It was more menswear up next with Working Style rocking a sixties vibe in their first few looks, with lots of crisply cut plaid suiting in hues of ivory, blue, charcoal and black. Then a gentleman in a gorgeous vintage-style morning suit emerged, quickly followed by a stunning navy velvet jacket, these looks offering some superb choices for men in the bridal party.
Closing the show with a dazzling display of more avant-garde bridal wear, John Zimmerman’s models took to the runway to the brilliant sounds of David Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ in dramatic gowns with crystal embellishments, feathers and even laser-cut leather in fabulous silhouettes.
Thanks NZ Weddings for creating a spectacular show that truly brought the pages of the magazine to life!
– Evelyn Ebrey
Images: Yvonne Shearer