For a label that steers away from overt themes, it was easy to imagine a back story for the models wandering the runway at last night’s Zambesi show. The leather lace-ups triggered it, and then the uniform vibe was everywhere – socks and sandals, low slung satchels, gym slips, and plenty of short-sleeved shirts. If Zambesi’s focus is on a way of dressing, then SS 12/13 might be a study of how we show creativity while adhering to the rules.
The rebellious edge is therefore more playful than anarchistic. Polka dots liven up muted grey shirts, sequin collars are tied over singlets, and the signature camo print pieces are crafted from silky cotton fabrics. The Stephen Marr team, led by Chong Li, pinned hair into lackadaisical up-dos, with most of it falling out in messy strands. You can imagine the Zambesi girl making a start and then thinking ‘eh, I’ve got better things to do’. Her makeup, maybe. While the hair was half-done, faces were immaculate. MAC’s Amber D made lips the focus, a vampish slash formed from a mix of red, blue and crimson Lipmixes.
Local band She’s So Rad played a live gig throughout the parade and after, tempting a good portion of the crowd to stay beyond the show’s end. It was just the sort of gig a stylish young rebel might dream about as she wanders her way to school. We can’t wait to see what Zambesi brings next Tuesday, when they show AW 13 at Fashion Week.
CLICK HERE to view more images from the Marr Factory / Zambesi show.
Images: Sam Lee
– Delaney MacDonald