Resene Designer Runway at NZFW 2019. Image by Annupam Singh.
Sunday was the last day of New Zealand Fashion Week 2019 with some fantastic group shows taking to the runway for fashion fans to enjoy in Auckland’s CBD. The morning kicked off with Walk the Line which is organised by YMCA North, a non-profit organisation that aims to give back to the community by helping young people to reach their full potential. Each garment on the runway was designed, sewn and styled by high school students aged between thirteen and eighteen with past Walk the Line designers going on to achieve success in the fashion industry. There was a broad range of looks with lots of creativity demonstrated by the next generation of emerging designers.
Next up was the Resene Designer Runway Show for its fourth appearance during the week which showcased the talents of the NZ Fashion Tech students in partnership with Resene. A colourful range of looks inspired by Resene shades took to the runway before a selection of garments from most of the designers showing at NZFW this past week gave the crowd a taste of what the week’s collections have been like. The RDR show was diverse, fun and high energy with attendees getting a pretty awesome goodie bag to take home too.
A group show from the K Road Business Association saw a selection of K Road designers including Lela Jacobs, Jimmy D, Hailwood, Mina, Lost and Led Astray display some gorgeous pieces from their latest collections. K Road is home to boutiques and workrooms from some of NZ’s most unique designers and there was lots to love about the beautiful looks that sashayed down the runway.
Heart of the City presented a chic show styled by leading stylist Kylie Cooke who brought backstage out to the front of house so the audience could see the models getting styled and finishing touches applied before they hit the runway. The show included some leading local and international brands available in Auckland city including Kate Sylvester, Karen Walker, Adidas, RUBY, Liam, Trelise Cooper, Zambesi and more. Every look was easy to wear and there was lots of inspiration for dressing for the spring/summer season.
Mercy Hospice returned to the NZFW again this year after a joyful show that closed NZFW 2018. They showed last up and this year were celebrating the hospice’s 40th anniversary. Mike McRoberts introduced the show before modeling himself with all the outfits in the first half inspired by the 70s since it was 40 years ago. Family members of those who have been in the hospice’s care walked in the show which was particularly poignant. For the second half of the show, Farmers showcased their latest spring/summer collections with more models who had family members in hospice care over the years. It was a fitting tribute to their loved ones and a moving way to close NZFW 2019 with not many dry eyes in the house by the finale walk.
Here’s to a huge week of many special moments, NZFW 2019 is over and out.
Images by Annupam Singh and Lyle Adams.