Former Nylon fashion editor Aya T Kanai once declared, “If I could be any girl, I would be a Karen Walker girl”. Judging by the crowd at tonight’s show, she wouldn’t be the only one. Of the five Marr Factory shows being held at Golden Dawn this week, Walker’s was the first to sell out, and her signature styling was evident off the runway as much as on. This is, after all, the country where her dresses rate alongside gumboots as symbolic of national style.
When the first model hit the runway then, it was a bit like welcoming a new friend to the group. A floral tea dress could look out of place striding across a concrete courtyard. But Walker has a knack for giving the prim n’ proper a rock n’ roll twist. This season, that twist is the groovy, poppy rock of the sixties, mixed with the Victoriana theme seen in past collections. The result was an array of ruffled collars, a-line skirts, and nipped-in waists, splashed with wild paisley and golden brocade prints. Gilded sunglasses and bold neon lips upped the cool-girl ante, while immaculate tailoring and plenty of navy kept the looks sleek.
Beyond the catwalk, the atmosphere was relaxed and social. As one guest remarked, “it’s what you want a fashion show to be: fun.” The crowd dug into hamburger sliders and mini ice-cream pots, chatted easily together, and moved around to get a closer look of the passing models. Being the current collection, there were no doubt a fair few shopping lists being compiled as well. Expect to spot a few more Karen Walker girls around town soon.
CLICK HERE to view more images from the Marr Factory / Karen Walker show.
Note: Want to see it for yourself? There are still a few tickets left to this Wednesday’s Nom*D show. Get them at iticket.co.nz.
Images: Sam Lee
– Delaney MacDonald