The venue was the light-filled Classic Throttle Shop in North Sydney, where guests were greeted with much welcomed short blacks and – coconut water (more potassium than a whole banana! (Would have benefited from a shot of vodka if you ask me.)
An orchestral version of INXS Never Tear Us Apart played as guests were calmly seated with RAFWs inimitable Russian(?) Front of House guy Miro in situ. We were seated opposite dear little Isabella and Sam, Simone and Nickys daughter and son respectively, and an empty neighbouring seat was filled by a Zimmermann sales agent, who told that the label is due to open a store in Los Angeles next month.
And the collection? Beautiful. If, like me, you have slipped behind in your research and thought Zimmermann was a swimwear label, think again. This was their ready-to-wear range – just a handful of swimwear styles – and was a primarily white and natural/tan collection of airy voile, chantilly lace and other rich textures, offset by floaty prints in soft melon and turquoise tones.
The detail was most intricate (panelling, laser cutting) and the finish was impeccable.
Both hair (Joico) and makeup (M.A.C) had a pagan feel – straight locks, some in haphazardly caught ponytails (the first of many many ponies its rumoured well see this week) and creamy skin with apricot tones high on the cheekbones.
Note: According to phrases.org.uk, Halcyon means calm and tranquil, or 'happy or carefree'. Current use of halcyon days tends to be nostalgic and recalling of the seemingly endless sunny days of youth.
Cybele showed a collection called Halcyon at New Zealand Fashion Week in 2008.
– Julie Roulston
All pictures taken on Samsung SH100.