Trelise Cooper at NZFW 2010 – Review

Westpac Tent, Day two NZFW, 6pm. VIEW THE COMPLETE RUNWAY GALLERY HERE.

Title: Wild Things Combat with the New Utilitarian Model Army

Trelise Coopers diffusion range ‘Cooper by Trelise’ has a younger, every-day wear feel to it. A strong military essence was infused throughout the collection that included plenty of army green, military tailoring, strong shoulders both tailored and embellished and double rowed military buttons.

Chunky cable knit turtlenecks proved highly versatile. Prominent colour palettes included; caramel, dusky pink, grey, charcoal, cream, sky blue, and of course the aforementioned green.

Faux fur waist coats, ruffles, ample sequins, velvet and the cable knit lent plenty of texture to accompany prints such as alpine, stripes and leopard luxe. A matching mid thigh length leopard jacket and pants combination, leopard print tights, transparent leopard blouses, loose fitting caftans and even a leopard sequinned mini skirt were teamed clashtastically with strong floral prints or sharper military pieces to achieve a feminine take on military tough.

Title: “Stained glass windows, sacred hearts, divine intervention, baroque grandeur”.

The runway backdrop was a huge stained glass window. Breathtakingly back lit, you got the sense that some sort of grand, almost holy ritual was about to take place, and Trelise’s NZFW Autumn Winter 2011 show did not fail to disappoint those who came to take annual communion.

Models wearing large hooded tunics started the show with a darker feel that one would normally expect from Trelise. Sequins were utilised to create stained glass window type patterns on dresses and skirts. Ruffles, tassels and fringing featured throughout as did large billowy bell sleeves on light and breezy dresses and tunics. Colour combinations included mint green, bronze, chocolate, cream, gold, grey as well as delicious plum, candy pink and peach.

Two jackets made from what looked like hundreds of black fabric swatches stitched together to create textured volume leapt from the runway. Favorite items were a black sequined and nude-mesh combination smoker’s jacket, black silk drop crotch pants and a geometric diamond print pattern that incorporated pink, cream and marl grey into a number of pieces.

The collection was highly wearable, less theatrical than expected and is sure to be highly anticipated on shelves come autumn.

Article by Janelle Rennie

Photography c/- Hilary Johnston