Rachel Mills’ installation event for her Wavey collection.
Rachel Mills hosted an installation event for her new Autumn/Winter 2017 collection which was cleverly timed to be an off-schedule show at the end of a busy fashion week, and although we were a little low on energy we were still keen to see what this emerging designer had in store. Ponsonby Central’s Sapphire Room was the location for the stunning showcase of Mills’ collection called ” Wavey” which was inspired by the early 1980s. “Wavey is a refined homage to a period that was wild, creative and dangerous. A time that vitality has served to enliven fashion ever since.” says designer Rachel Mills.
For the collection it meant embracing the volume and puffed sleeves that were a key look of the time but in a modern cropped way, the ruched-bust dresses and high collars also recalled the more winsome 80s style. Long-line coats were simple but chic and left open or tied at the waist over wide-legged trousers. The colour palette mixed navy, grey, white and black with soft peach, buttery yellow and rich purple to create strong looks that were complemented by luxurious fabric choices of silk dupion and velvet. We loved the layered hems and raw edges which were a nod to the defiance of the time.
The outfits also featured pieces from the Rachel Mills Essentials range which were designed to be worn season after season and include turtle necks, bias-ciut slip dresses, cotton knits and pyjama-style pants. Mills’ first foray into jewellery, titled Pick’n’Mix was also styled with the clothing and includes a collection of earring pendants and hoops that are able to be mixed and matched. “Oversized ’80s iconography playfully interacts with silver and semi-precious stones. The wearer is in control of how they wear our pieces, a nod to the defiance of the era.” says Mills of the jewellery.
Overall the effect was elegant and confident, a very self-assured showing from a designer who is only three seasons in with her eponymous label but clearly knows where she is going.
Images by James Yang Photography.