Jimmy D and Lela Jacobs on the runway at K Road Presents New Zealand Fashion Week 2016
Auckland’s Karangahape Road (K Road) has long been a vibrant hub of fashion activity with many brilliant and often alternative brands carving out their own fashionable niches there. The K Road Presents show brought together four of the most unique and exciting of those labels for a showcase of exceptional fashion which had us captivated from beginning to end.
First up on the runway was Lela Jacobs whose conceptual designs have won her many fans for her considered and intelligent take on fashion. Her Autumn/Winter 2017 collection was full of earthy hues of sand, tan, brown and black on flowing androgynous looks that included semi-sheer dresses and tops anchored by drawstring pants and long jackets. Fine mesh tops showed flashes of skin and added a sense of provocation to the collection. We long to have Lela Jacobs kind of serene style.
Maaike were up next opting for a strobe light opening which set the tone for the dynamic womenswear collection to follow. Designers Abby van Schreven and Emilie Pullar are known for their love of unique digital prints and their Autumn/Winter 2017 collection called KAME-ZA featured relaxed monochromatic looks with playful pompoms and fringing. Mint green and grey added interest to the range and we adored a beautiful white draped dress which had an angelic feel.
Making their NZFW debut was emerging label Ovna Ovich founded in 2012 and designed by Marina Davis, who brought her contemporary version of ethical womenswear to the runway. The collection featured clean, elegant silhouettes in luxurious silk and wool. Long ruffles across the bodice of the shirting added a playful sense of femininity in a collection that was modern and covetable. Stunning bronze jewellery by Natalia Peri completed the effortlessly chic looks.
Closing the show was fashion week favourite Jimmy D, whose Autumn/Winter 2017 collection called Bad Feng Shui was inspired by the poetry of Zarah Butcher-McGunnigle. The poet herself gave a live poetry reading of four of her short poems before the models took to the runway much to the delight and amusement of the crowd. Designer James Dobson is known for his deconstructed, androgynous style that is delivered with a healthy dose of humour and his collection was full of his signature black cool kid looks with sheer mesh and bare midriffs making a sexy statement on the runway. A graphic purple floral print on long-sleeve tees caught our eye as did the 90s style slip dresses and cleverly draped ruffled dress in a detailed purple print. Chaos & Harmony collaborated with Jimmy D on a signature Zarah shoe which was a stunning black flatform sandal with a 90s vibe that we will be putting our names down for. Jimmy D’s rocking collection full of attitude and quirky cool was the perfect way to wrap up a brilliant showcase of K Road’s alternative fashion.
Maaike and Ovna Ovich on the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week 2016 K Road Presents show
Check out our gallery to see every look from the K Road Presents NZFW 2016 show here.
By Evelyn Ebrey
Images by James Yang Photography