Salasai – the first daytime show of New Zealand Fashion Week, and what a runway show it was…
As we meandered into the main runway, we were greeted by a white industrial-style installation, featuring portraits by the uber-talented Adam Bryce, along with pieces from furniture designer, Anthony Robertson, in place of the usual run-of-the-mill runway, and we were able to stand up-close-and-personal, for prime viewing. Brilliant!
The show began with the velvety smooth sounds of Margo Guryan, gradually picking the beat up with King Krule and the Pixies. Opening with their Autumn/Winter 2017 collection, ‘Life in Theory’, accompanied by S.A.M, the brand’s newly launched menswear label, Salasai showcased the collection’s strong personality, texture and taste. Statement knitwear and luxury linen in both black and navy paired beautifully with patched tees, silk blouses and other SALASAI signature styles. Long silhouettes, reminiscent of Rozi Demant artwork, and oversized pieces highlight a de-saturated colour palette. S.A.M is not without his own distinct style with oversized outerwear, elongated styles and heavy texture. His and her structured black leather bags add depth to a growing collection of accessories.
In collaboration with the Knitter, Salasai included lush, oversized, hand knitted chunky scarves and beanies in milk, white and black (and oh how I would happily add any one of these beautiful knits, in any colour, to my wardrobe). Another standout – teaming up with Dr Marten created a perfect synergy of minimalism and strength, and swapping out the standard Doc Marten laces for ribbons of velvet, an absolutely genius touch!
While the models’ hair, styled by Matt Benns and Stephen Marr, remained natural and fairly understated – the girls locks down and without product, the guys, pulled back and French braided, the makeup was another story, and for me, an absolute work of art! The inspiration – ‘Romance of Youth, A blackness unlike the dark’, was created by MAC’s senior makeup artist, Kiekie Stanners, which featured a semi-natural face, a dark, bold, statement lip, and hand-drawn tattoos on the models hands and neck, reminiscent of ancient biblical script.
By Angie Fredatovich from Gurlinterrupted
Images by James Yang Photography