Finale at Salasai’s New Zealand Fashion Week 2017 show.
With an exciting and dynamic show at Auckland’s Hilton on the waterfront, Salasai celebrated their 10th birthday in style and saw day two of New Zealand Fashion Week go out with a bang.
The show began with a chic yet striking all-black ensemble comprising of a pair of wide leg pants and a straight-cut, collared jacket over a black t-shirt with “Human Kind Salasai Ten Years” printed in a crisp white. With the white slogan starkly contrasting its dark setting, the theme of the show was emphasized and set the tone for the exciting looks to come.
In keeping with the ‘Human Kind’ theme, the collection featured a number of fluoro, black and gold t-shirts and oversized tops, each with these words boldly printed across the front. These and other earthy hues reigned supreme throughout the collection, which featured a playful mix of electric fluoro green and yellow tones against beige tones as well as a brilliant balance of monochromatic shades, camouflage print and pops of metallic.
The collection comprised of a seamless blend of both classic and contemporary looking pieces featuring a clever mix of relaxed and structured silhouettes. Oversized t-shirts, long chunky cable knits and boxy v-neck tops were paired with billowing skirts, dropped-crotch pants and wide-legged trousers. Worn with either patent black slingbacks or a Birkenstocks and socks combo, these outfits were effortlessly relaxed and edgy and infused the collection with a burst of attitude.
Elements of classic sportswear were also reworked and seamlessly incorporated into the collection. The classic football jersey was given a luxe twist with beautifully sheened silk fabrics in both deep khaki and cream shades. In addition, we saw the humble hooded sweater be transformed into a sports-luxe poncho — complete with white side piping.
Throughout the show, the collection took a colourful turn as an eye-catching blue printed dress, covered in a colourful and eclectic mix of cultural icons stole the show. Quirky little doodles of symbols, national flags and emblems from lobsters to maple leaves were dotted around the fabric, surrounding a drawing of the river Seine that flowed across the garment. This fun and fabulous print was later featured in white and was worked into a series of dresses and shirts, injecting a quirky vibrant energy and epitomising the collection’s theme of togetherness and multiculturalism.
Not to be overlooked is the unique and quirky range of accessories adorning the outfits in the collection. Large straw hats, leather pouch pendants and coral necklaces, copper and baby blue tassel earrings all complimented the myriad of outfits parading down the runway. Signature black and white Salasai scarves also stood out as they were draped across the models’ shoulders. Happy tenth birthday Salasai.
Beauty notes: Dewy skin and fiercely sculpted cheekbones by Kiekie Stanners for MAC Cosmetics.
Soundtrack: Loud house tunes and a booming bass.
Hot Items: ‘Salasai’ monochrome scarves and sturdy leather jackets.
Images by Katherine Tuenter.