Finale on the runway at Federation NZ Fashion Weekend 2019. Image by Annupam Singh.
Farmers kicked off the first full day of Fashion Weekend 2019 shows with an adorable presentation of the brand’s latest looks for Spring/Summer 2019/20 in childrenswear. A cute collection of models from tots to teens showcased a colourful range of outfits with everything from casual playtime looks to some sweet occasion pieces too. It was a wonderful way to begin a busy day of shows for fashion fans to enjoy.
In keeping with one of the key themes for New Zealand Fashion Week 2019, Showroom 22 presented Sustainability Conversation: Can fashion save the world? Which featured a stellar lineup of panelists including Maggie Hewitt – founder of luxury label Maggie Marilyn, Marilou Dadat – Head Designer of Kowtow, Kiri Nathan – co-founder and fashion designer at Kiri Nathan and Peri Drysdale MBE – founder and CEO of Snowy Peak and Untouched World. The conversation centred around the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry, what changes are being made and what still needs to be done. It was an insightful and thoughtful conversation by those who are leading the way in sustainable fashion in NZ.
Next up was the Sustainability Show which kicked off with Wellington based label Herriot’s collection of sustainable androgynous pieces. They were followed by Greatest Friend, who showed beautiful neutral pieces in everything from denim through to light linens then it was Nope’s turn to showcase their fabulously grungey patchwork of all things denim and dark, with splashes of hardware thrown in the mix. Next up were the sustainable labels from Whitecliffe; we saw artful deconstruction by Tommunday, modern classics from Olivia Lewis, innovative patchworking of elements from Bianca Lim-Yip, and monochrome watercolouring details from Yuexue Wang. Last but not least was Aurai Swim, which brought a dose of sustainable nautical-glam to the show with beautifully modern swim and resort wear.
PIA’s collection splashed summertime glamour into the day’s lineup of shows. In true PIA style, there were fun prints, bold colours and plenty of sparkle in each of the garments that sashayed down the catwalk. We saw an array of beautiful dresses, from slip dresses to daintily gathered beach cover-ups as well as a covetable range of mixed and matched tops, shorts, skirts and the occasional jumpsuit. To top things off, PIA’s stunning new activewear peices even made a guest appearance. With the colour palette ranging from bright through to pale pinks, khaki splashes and additions of charcoals and featuring some lovely florals and leopard, the collection was a chic rainbow of prints and details.
Augustine certainly brought the party to the runway with a colourful extravaganza that showcased the Summer collections from the brand’s different labels. The show kicked off with a cute performance by the dance class of owners Kelly and Nathan Coe’s young daughter, the group’s lively performance set the tone for the fun show to come. First up was casual range Charlo with lots of pretty prints and flowing kimonos perfect for the warm months. Next was Amaya which had lots of elegant daywear, we particularly loved a flowing green tiered maxi dress that moved beautifully on the runway. A cute group of little boys, little girls and then women models skipped down the runway to display the brand’s popular Alaska Tees before model of the week/opera singer Isabella Moore used her beautiful voice to serenade the models down the runway for Stella Royal’s plus size range. Augustine’s Summer collection was last up with models paired with adorable mini-mes in matching outfits dancing down the runway in a rainbow of florals, sequins and ruffles. The whole show had a really joyful energy and the many Augustine fans in attendance were loving every minute. Designer Kelly Coe, Nathan and their three lovely daughters all took to the runway together for the finale in a sweet family moment.
Tuesday Label brought an easy, breezy summer feel to the runway with a winsome collection of very wearable pieces. Designer Biddie Cooksley knows how to make all the essentials plus the perfect occasion looks to take the modern woman from the office to the weekend and out to an event. The gorgeous easy to wear dresses in white, marigold and hot pink were favourites of ours, as was the opening look of a charming blue floral blazer and matching trousers. The slogan for the collection was ‘everything is going to be alright’ which was certainly reassuring in amongst the whirlwind of fashion week.
Fashion Quarterly and Miss FQ presented a chic edit of Spring/Summer looks from some of NZ’s top fashion brands including Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, RUBY, Liam, moochi, Twenty-seven Names and Stolen Girlfriends Club. The show was styled by fashion director Sally-Ann Mullin who has a great eye for style with each look appealing and interesting while still being accessible. No doubt there were many in the audience with long summer wish lists after the show.
Dance for Abilities hosted a party and runway show for people with intellectual disabilities which also included a runway show featuring garments by the likes of Zambesi, Hailwood, Augustine, Lemon Tree Design and Jeanine Clarkin. The energy in the room was of pure fun and happiness with the runway show a definite highlight for attendees all of whom cheered enthusiastically for each model. It was such a wonderful event to have as part of NZFW 2019 and certainly celebrated the spirit of diversity of this year’s event.
Federation were last up on Saturday with a soundtrack of 90s bangers mixed with hits from today bringing a cool kid energy to the runway. It set the tone for an energetic show which opened with the brand’s Some.kind label showing sweet summery women’s looks before the streetwear for men and women took to the runway. We loved the 90s feel of Federation’s spring/summer collection with lots of colour, stripes, playful prints and statement tees making for strong outfits toughened up by leather jackets and a healthy dose of attitude. Federation’s vibrant show was the perfect way to end day 6 of NZFW on a high note.
Images by Annupam Singh and Lyle Adams.