Models backstage in Pinch & Punch at Mid. Image supplied.
Mid. brought five independent fashion brands together for a runway event which was billed as a ‘mid-season collaborative fashion show’ in West Auckland recently. The show featured labels Pinch & Punch, Jojo Ross, Ryan Turner, Petra Benton and Jason Lingard who are all small, independent brands, many of whom are in their first couple of seasons of ready to wear production. There is something particularly exciting about seeing fresh talent and new ideas on the runway so there was a full house gathered for the show at Arkade Hire in Avondale.
Pinch & Punch.
Designer Jasmine Kroeze (right) of Pinch & Punch backstage with a model at Mid.
First up on the runway was Pinch & Punch by designer Jasmine Kroeze, whose designs we’ve been admiring since her label was launched late last year. The collection consisted of relaxed pieces in natural fabrics with both men’s and women’s clothing on the runway. Slouchy knits and striped cardigans in neutrals were paired with slip dresses, pencil skirts and casual trousers with french blue and tangerine adding playful pops of colour. We loved Pinch & Punch’s sanguine aesthetic and it set the bar high for the four labels to follow.
Jojo Ross.
Designer Jojo Ross taking her bow with a model at Mid (right).
Jojo Ross has her eyes firmly fixed on the future with her namesake label that delivers modern garments that focus on new textiles. Elegant tailoring featured on cleverly cut jackets, skirts and trousers that had pvc inserts for a futuristic twist. We got a hint of 90s power dressing from her structured shoulders and perfectly matched ensembles that were confident and featured bold exposed zips. Metallic silver was accented with pink which added a subtle sweetness and the box pleated skirts felt youthful and fresh with domed details.
Ryan Turner.
Designer Ryan Turner (left) and a model backstage at Mid.
Androgynous fashion has featured strongly on the local and international runways the past few seasons and Ryan Turner delivered his own version of it which drew inspiration from the amalgamation of Asian and European influences. Working entirely with black, Turner’s male and female models sported raw-edged tunics, shirts, trousers and jackets that were draped and layered for a contemporary effect. Knotted details, trailing hems and unexpected pockets kept things interesting, while the relaxed shapes made for intriguing silhouettes that caught the eye.
Petra Benton.
Designer Petra Benton backstage at Mid.
Cool, confident womenswear came down the runway from Petra Benton, who focussed on clean shapes and feminine styles with a subtle 90s feel. Wrap-style tops and dresses were tied to emphasise the waist while plunging necklines demanded attention in the right way. Striped tops were complemented by crisp white sleeves which were slit to above the elbow and carefully placed buttons on dresses and trousers drew the eye and accentuated the womanly silhouettes. Petra Benton’s collection was unafraid to be both feminine yet powerful all at once.
Jason Lingard.
Designer Jason Lingard (right) backstage at Mid.
Covering the model’s faces with black masks certainly forces the audience to focus on the clothing and in Jason Lingard’s case they were definitely garments to make note of. From the winsome feather-printed opening dress to the sheer shirting and cleverly draped jackets and dresses, Lingard’s collection was dark, contemporary and intelligent. Close attention was paid to the cut and movement of each garment which flowed easily and gracefully on the runway. Glimpses of skin beneath sheer fabrics added a subtle sensuality to the men’s and women’s looks that flirted with androgyny and made for self-assured ensembles.
Images supplied.