Naive Romance
With labels like Nom*D, Saben and Shen to be admired, there was nothing ‘least’ about the last two Spring/Summer 12/12 media open days showrooms held last week.
In first floor premises in Grey Lynn, Beat is bright and sunny and hosts an eclectic selection of labels, from K-Mart to Levi’s and Sunglass Hut, through Saben Bags and Nom*D.
First to catch the eye was a wealth of candy colour from Saben. Designer Roanne is never shy of colour, but this is the sweetest palette I remember seeing from her in some 13 years. “We normally never go near pink” she says “but this season it has just drawn us and we NEEDED to play with pink. It’s been so much fun rethinking colour!” Python/ostrich ‘Scarlett” (bottom left) from the in-season drop available instore now, marks the beginning of Saben’s pink period – we love how it’s reminiscent of ‘80s pink and grey, but in a thoroughly modern choice of the two shades.
Saben’s Spring/Summer ‘12/’13 is called Lady of Liverpool and explores nostalgia and craft through a modern lense. The ‘Gala’ bag (right) is entirely handwoven.
Miu Miu’s jumbo ‘apple’ style dominated the sunglass shelves and despite their wackiness, are flattering and will suit many. What easier way to tell the world you are street-style worthy?
Nom*D’s ‘A Raven’s Tale’ collection offered several delicate prints, but our favourite was the adorable ‘Souvenir’. “I’ve always collected old souvenir scarves,” says designer Margarita Robertson, “and the coolest of them were the New Zealand ones. There’s always a vintage reference in a Nom*D collection but this time we translated the scarf prints rather than reworking vintage pieces.” ‘Souvenir’ looked great in a short pleated skirt or in this fantastic ‘Overlander’ pant. Do the print pant thing, but do it the Dunedin way – you’ll never be accused of being a trend slave.
Across Grey Lynn on Surrey Crescent, Process has a basement/installation feel and their open day was a fun-loving whirl of great beats, drinks flowing and party pics.
Intricate textured platforms on these shoes from Sydney label Kobe Husk.
Mary Ellen Prendergast from Shen was on hand and busy taking media orders on her ballet-inspired ‘Naive Romance’ range. She’s had a sensational winter and has been able to bring some cherished contractors from her High Society Days into her business – whereas first season out she did everything herself alongside caring for her two small children.
Underground Sundae’s jewellery display was a cheerful and extravagant tumble of colour. We’re still not over designer Anne-Mieke Ytsma’s darling safety pin hearts, and new favourites are neckpieces like this one worked in silver with leather – the inscription on the silver is ‘My future is colourful.’
Underground Sundae
Finally we met with Moodie Tuesday, brand new to Process. Dunedin based designer Jon Thom is still finishing his degree but meantime is creating art and printing it on silk/Tencel tees.
Moodie Tuesday Art
He’d produced three striking charcoal and ink works of model Isaac specially for the event, and Process owner Caroline Brown says a collaboration between her partner, photographer Stephen Tilley (polaroids) and Thom is in the works.
– Julie Roulston