Carlson on the runway at the Ponsonby Presents NZ Fashion Weekend 2018 show. Image by Anupam Singh.
Saturday of NZ Fashion Weekend kicked off with the dreamiest show of the week as the NZ Weddings Magazine show took to the runway. Modes opened the show with a gorgeous bridal couple clad in their wedding finery before a succession of winsome bridal and briday party looks followed. From exquisitely detailed bridal gowns with delicate veils and trains to the sweetest floral flower girl and mother of the bride outfits, Modes had the entire bridal party covered.
Next up was Alma Wong who presented suitably romantic gowns and then with a cute twist showcased her gowns with leather jackets emblazoned with words like Wifey and black chokers for a modern appeal. Barkers showed the latest in suiting with classic styles mixed in with more colourful plaid and prints. Lone Daisy showcased sensual bridal lingerie, before more winsome gowns from Margaret Wray and Elizabeth May Bridal took to the runway. Jessica Bridal closed the show with a series of gorgeous gowns before a stunning full-skirted gown closed the show.
Augustine brought the party to the runway with a colourful show before a sold out crowd. They opened with their new outing Alaska Tees paired with their popular kimonos. Alaska Tees are launching in October and offer the wearer a chance to customise their tees. Next up was Charlo, Augustine’s weekend and casual brand which offered lots of easy stripes and florals in relaxed dresses, skirts and tops. Plus size range Stella Royal followed with fun ruffles and florals on separates and dresses that are a nice change from the other less colourful plus size offerings available elsewhere. Amaya was next with modern pieces that felt like the perfect Resort range. Lastly, the Augustine range took to the runway in a rainbow and sequins and prints that will bring the fun to any occasion. The covetable collection of dresses, tops, shorts and skirts got audible oooohs from the crowd. In a stunning gold glitter filled finale designer Kelly Coe took to the runway with her husband (and Augustine co-founder) Nathan Coe along with their three adorable daughters.
ID showcased a range of previous recent collections from iD Dunedin Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Awards, and was a a diverse and captivating celebration of the new and established talent of the region. A range of 24 collections were showcased, each in a multitude of diverse and unique styles. From Mushama & Me’s sculptural and bright garments to Dylan McCutcheon-Peat’s deconstruction of feminine undergarment for masculine forms, right through to Siobhan Moroney’s reinterpretation of victorian elements, the show presented a truly eclectic array of works. Adding to the excitement were also ranges from established and iconic Southland designers, including Nom*d, Tanya Carlson, Maaike, and Twenty-seven Names.
In a colourful and glittering extravaganza, PIA boutique showcased a gorgeously fun collection of jumpsuits, mini dresses, flowing skirts and feminine tops — all oozing summer-time glamour vibes. Making its way into the collection also, was PIA’s signature splash of sequins, as well as a unique and eye catching range of printed fabrics in a multitude of colours, that lent themselves perfectly to PIA’s signature ruffling and layering details. Of course, not to be forgotten were the gorgeous, glittery shell earrings and necklaces sported by the models, which added an extra fun and summery touch to the looks.
Ponsonby Presents showcased a beautiful array of four labels iconic to the equally legendary Ponsonby fashion strip. Starting off the showcase was Yvonne Bennetti, dazzling audiences with a collection of both feminine and striking pieces perfect for both day and evening wear, each featuring her impeccable tailoring, use of embellishments and choice of lust-worthy fabrics. Next onto the runway was Storm, with a collection showcasing power-dressing pieces as well as day and night wear perfect for the modern woman. The collection featured a stand out range of gorgeous fabrics, from printed and sheer chiffons to silk and leather. Carlson showcased pieces that were both modern and feminine, from dreamy midi and maxi dresses, to billowing, silky palazzo pants all in a gorgeous palette of warm hues. Lastly, Knuefermann by TK took to the stage with a collection of fierce formal pieces, featuring stunning modern and sleek silhouettes in a dark yet sophisticated range of fabrics that we saw earlier in the week at her eye-catching opening show.
Ending a day of excitement with a bang was Zambesi, who showcased a collection that was both bold and edgy. Statement fabrics like a black and white print of the label’s namesake as well as a multi-coloured star print made appearances on a range of both mens and womenswear. The collection also featured a unique blend of raw-edged, loose fitting garments, asymmetrical designs as well as tailored classics to make looks that were both modern and biting. Polished and poised, Zambesi rounded up the day with fierce confidence as only they can.
Images by Anupam Singh and James Yang Photography.