Finale on the runway at Rochelle’s show New Zealand Fashion Week 2016.
New Zealand Fashion Week 2016 has been a big week of debuts and Rochelle was the last new label to grace the NZFW runway for the trade shows part of the week. The label’s debut was also one of the most mysterious of the week and all we knew beforehand was it’s the creation of designer Rochelle Goodrick who has spent the past 15 years overseas. A media release a few hours prior to showtime also let us know that singer Stan Walker would be performing live, so we were definitely anticipating what would come down the runway.
The show began with a live DJ mixing club tracks and having a great time dancing to her own beats before the first model took to the stage in a long black gown with a plunging v-neckline and chunky gold bangles which was a dramatic look. The outfits that followed showcased Rochelle’s feminine, modern style with lots of pretty dresses especially in the resort friendly off the shoulder style. The presentation was divided into four sections each with a different theme to highlight the different ideas in Rochelle’s Renewal collection. The first was Dark Angel and featured moody black looks with floor grazing skirts and crops tops among the key outfits. The next was the Daisy collection which focused on the sweet signature daisy print in midi-skirts, shirts, fitted dresses and lots of navy among the outfits. The third was the Nautical section and the fourth was the Renewal section, both of which featured lots of white maxi dresses and lace dresses in feminine silhouettes that flowed beautifully as the models strutted the runway.
Stan Walker appeared in the second section to cover Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” and sweetly serenaded the models as they sashayed past him. But it was his performance of his new single “You Never Know” for the finale that really got our attention, with gorgeous Silver Fern Maria Tutaia taking to the runway in a simple but chic white bridal gown followed by cute flower girls and bridesmaids also in white dresses.
We loved the lady-like tea dresses, beautiful navy daisy print and all the floor skimming full-skirts that made us want to swan around in them. Definitely a confident and elegant debut from Rochelle and no doubt there will be many ladies who want to wear her charming designs next season.
Stan Walker serenading the models on the runway at Rochelle.
Check out our gallery to see every look from the Rochelle NZFW 2016 show here.
By Evelyn Ebrey
Images by James Yang Photography