If fashion week were a party, Stolen Girlfriends Club would be the life of that party, the ones who turn up with lots of drinks and fun-loving entourage intent of having a stellar night, and that’s exactly what they did at NZFW last night.
A capacity crowd packed into the new Red Bull headquarters in Ponsonby until the place was full to bursting and there was a palpable buzz in the air, as the audience waited for another highly anticipated range from this cult local label.
A red neon sign emblazoned with the collection’s title ‘Dirty Magic’ flickered gently on top of the mystically painted set as models strutted out in an occult inspired range that was moody, dark and edgy with just the right amount of ‘devil may care’ attitude.
The opening looks played with sombre pinstripes transforming them into high-fashion items, whilst leaving them raw around the edges and contrasting with luscious velvet and charming furry knits.
Gothic make-up and heavy jewellery by Fernando Penna, which featured hundreds of can-tabs connected by safety pins added to the mystical feel of the range with preppy plaid given a make-over to become sexy streetwear in thigh-baring dresses for the girls.
While the guys rocked monochromatic geometric prints, faux leather jackets and slouchy pants with obligatory skater chains.
Standouts were the striking mini-length dresses and shirting in crimson prints and black flocked paisley velvet, the final few looks which combined black leather fitted tops with full-length velvet skirts were also fantastic. It was really interesting to see SGC’s use of more tailored suiting too which added an extra versatility to this collection, should you be daring enough to wear it to your workplace.
Confident and cohesive, this was a collection that left the audience spellbound and will be sure to be working its magic on SGC fans come Winter 2014.
– Evelyn Ebrey
Images: Yvonne Shearer