Trelise Cooper (centre) on the runway for the finale of her Theatre of Fashion show on Day Three. Image by Aki Ang from The Sleek Avenue.
Dame Trelise Cooper‘s popular Theatre of Fashion returned to Auckland’s Q Theatre this past week for its third spectacular outing. The designer has always had a flair for theatricality and her shows are known for their high production values as well as gorgeous collections. This year Trelise took us on a trip to Italy with her beautiful set that resembled a Venetian canal complete with an overbridge decorated with flowers that models walked across during the show and a watery runway.
Three sublime collections from COOP, Cooper by Trelise Cooper and Trelise Cooper took to the runway to showcase what’s on offer for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2017/18 season and Resort 2018. The show also introduced Trelise’s first foray into swimwear with palm prints and summer slogans ‘Rosé and Shine’ appearing on high-cut one pieces that will no doubt be popular when the warm weather arrives.
Trelise Cooper’s swimwear debuts on the Theatre of Fashion runway.
Looks by COOP on the Theatre of Fashion runway.
COOP was first up on the runway with the brand’s fun collection of cool girl looks created by both previous designer Kayla Jurlina and new designer Abby Holland. The result is an energetic collection of colourful pieces that ranged from sweet gingham and delicate florals to sequined stripes and bold prints. All the COOP essentials were there with perfect dresses for days in the sun or nights on the dancefloor, playful shorts, ruffled off the shoulder tops and easy to throw on jackets.
A nineties/early noughts feel came through in slip dresses and enough midriff-baring outfits to make Britney Spears proud. Broderie anglaise in sunshine yellow and vibrant red sequins caught our eye for all the right reasons with a playful water print that looked like it came straight off the runway underneath adding to the youthful vibrancy of the collection. COOP’s many twenty-something followers will have lots of Instagram-worthy outfits to choose from when this range arrives in stores.
Looks by Cooper on the Theatre of Fashion runway.
Next was Trelise Cooper’s diffusion line Cooper which always delivers on easy to wear pieces that make for great casual outfits or weekend wear. Cooper was all about stripes and appealing prints with a sanguine black suit printed with gold pineapples first up on the runway setting the tone for the jubilant collection to follow. Equestrian prints, tropical florals and bold sequins featured on relaxed fit dresses and wide-legged pants paired with leather jackets worn open and flared sleeve tops.
Lacing, micropleats and embroidery added gorgeous details to a collection that had sportswear influences mixed with a summer party feel. Tulle and ruffled metallics featured on midi-length skirts and sleeveless dresses that kept the collection feminine and charming. Adding to the summery vibe was Trelise’s popular sunglasses in modern and vintage-inspired styles. Cooper will no doubt win over many fans come spring.
Looks by Trelise Cooper on the Theatre of Fashion runway.
Trelise Cooper‘s mainline collection was last up on the runway with a huge range of looks that covered everything from delightful holiday wear to elegant suiting and spell-binding party dresses. As always the looks were full of beautiful details with beading, sequins, appliqué, feathers and diamantés featuring on delicately pretty dresses and separates. The designer embraced the popular semi-sheer (or naked) dress for many of her evening looks in sublime tones of blush, blue, nude, cream and black.
Tailored suiting took on bold hues of fuschia, yellow and scarlet with belted waists and flared hems having a vintage-inspired but contemporary feel. Rickrack-edged gingham with floral embroidery featured on off-the-shoulder tops and casual pants that were perfect for a holiday, aided by detailed porcelain prints in blue and white that referenced Trelise’s Venetian inspiration.
“I just want to have some f**king fun” declared the upbeat pop soundtrack and yes, this collection is certainly fun. There’s no hiding the joyous nature of these pieces that scream out for sunshine and good times. There is definitely no harm in fashion being fun with a bit of frivolity, after all summer time is not exactly meant for seriousness and Trelise has always been a master of creating divine party outfits. We have no doubt that these looks will see many enjoyable outings come summer.
Images by Aki Ang from The Sleek Avenue.