Finale by Stolen Girlfriends Club at New Zealand Fashion Week 2018. Image by Katherine Tuenter.
Presenting a collection of women’s and menswear that was both cutting edge and classically avante-garde in their signature way, Stolen Girlfriends Club rounded off Day 3 of New Zealand Fashion Week with their collection New Sincerity, Deep Irony.
The styles in the collection were a stunning eclecticism with nods to recent decades, mixed in with modern spins on conventional styles and garments — all with Stolen’s grungey edge. This was strongly reflected in both the dark and subdued colour palette made up of mainly blacks, dark greys and navy, and the occasional pink-toned shades, which were complemented by small pops of bright and pastel colours.
During the first half of the show, audiences were treated to a delightful mix of styles. A plunging, form-fitting jumpsuit and one-shouldered, asymmetrically ruffled mini dress — both fully covered in navy sequins, splashed glamour into the collection. This was then contrasted by a series of outfits each featuring a unique take on layering. These looks included two variations of mens’ hooded sweatshirts worn on top of one another and the layering of thin jackets, a woolen spaghetti-strapped dress over a crisp dress shirt as well as a fitted, sheer, barbed-wire- embroidered dress worn beneath a black ruched mini-dress.
As the show progressed, a diverse range of colours and fabrics sashayed onto the runway. Some notable pieces included a pink plaid miniskirt and trenchcoat set, oversized camo pieces, candy-coloured mens knitwear, an eye-catching red patent biker jacket and a plush patchworked faux-fur jacket.
The unique motif of barbed-wire made a guest appearance in numerous ways during the show, lending itself seamlessly to the striking and punk-inspired aesthetic the label is known for. It was seen in a bold red down on both a men’s hooded sweater and statement scarf, as well as in the same colours running down the sleeves of a black men’s jersey. The motif also took a more feminine turn, when it was embroidered into a sheer tulle fabric, that was featured throughout the collection in the forms of dresses and tops.
Another subtle theme that was dotted throughout the collection, was 80’s dressing. Metallic minidresses with ruched off-the-shoulder evoked a sense of vintage formal wear nostalgia, while sparkly scrunchies added a touch of playfulness to the edgy looks.
In true Stolen Girlfriends Club fashion, the collection featured a stellar range of leather goods and accessories. Black leather handbag with their iconic snake hook made an appearance, as did a larger black bucket bag and a range of coveted biker jackets. The finale saw models and designer Marc Moore push light-up wheelie bins down the runway in true tongue in chic fashion. Yet again, Stolen nailed it.
Beauty notes: Heavy smokey eyes with statement electric blue winged eyeliner by M.A.C Cosmetics and messy high-buns with held up by sparkly scrunchies.
Soundtrack: A moody, heavy synth-pop.
Hot item: Sheer tulle top and dress with embroidered black barbed wire motifs.
Images by Katherine Tuenter.