The most exciting event of our local fashion calendar is nearly upon us and as much as it’s all about what’s happening on the runway, who doesn’t love to crowd watch? Fashion Week is the best opportunity to spot the incredible street style of those who work in the industry and to see how trends translate #irl. If you’ve scored yourself an invite to attend through the week or are planning to attend Fashion Weekend (which is open to the public), the thought of deciding what to wear may prove to be a little daunting. Our pro tip? Avoid feeling intimidated by dressing to your personal style; you want to ensure you feel great in your own look on your own terms. So whether you are a first timer or seasoned attendee here we share with you a few inspired outfit ideas.
Slime Jumper, $529 from Georgia Alice (left), A Little After Ten Top, $400 and She Is In Charge Skirted Pants, $708 from Maggie Marilyn (centre), Harmony Trench, $800 from Zambesi (right).
Of all places fashion week is the best place of all to experiment with bold silhouettes and striking looks. Introduce a statement colour into your outfit like this amazing and aptly named ‘Slime Jumper’ by Georgia Alice. Consider your usual style, but elevate it by mixing and matching your pieces and experimenting with proportions in your outfit, we love this look by Maggie Marilyn, with its asymmetric blouse and skirted plaid pants. Play around with fabric selection by contrasting or matching textures together, perhaps leather and silk or denim and lace, or sheer on sheer silk organza as seen in this Zambesi outfit. Do note that it’s not an unspoken expectation to dress in the designer or brand whose show you attend, though it is a great way to support them.
Tiers in Heaven Dress, $499 from Trelise Cooper (left), Christina Coat, $1500 from Harman Grubisa (centre), Distressed Joey Jacket, $1149 from Stolen Girlfriends Club (right).
Think of attending an evening show as a fab night out but amongst the fashion set, so dust off your fanciest attire and truly make an event out of it. Turet Knuefermann opens fashion week on the Monday evening and her sophisticated aesthetic is bound to attract an equally sophisticated audience, think silk dresses, and sleek modern tailoring. Trelise Cooper makes a return to the catwalk after a four year absence for 2018, no doubt with high octane glamour on her agenda, you will not be out of place in ruffles, sequins, block colour, and fur, topped off with sky high heels and costume jewellery, we love this gorgeous sequin tulle number from her Cooper range.
We also think this sateen coat in candy pink by Harman Grubisa is just perfect for a glamorous night out. Or opt for a rock n roll vibe in a combo like this longline hoodie, leather jacket and thigh high boots by purveyors of rock n roll cool – Stolen Girlfriends Club, whose shows are always a highlight of the week. A leather jacket really is a hero piece to have, modern and versatile in its ability to be worked into so many different looks.
Derive Top, $309 and Neo Jeans, $414 from Rachel Mills (left), Zoe Tank, $229 and Gigi Skirt, $479 from Kate Sylvester (centre), Brooke Coat, $370 by Jakke from Superette (right).
Towards the end of what is a busy week, even the most fashionable can experience a bit of burn out and jeans tend to make a welcome appearance (as do designer sunglasses to hide those dark under eye circles!), wear yours with a chic top, like this blouson off the shoulder number by Rachel Mills. Channel an effortless sophistication with this chevron knit cami and leatherette skirt by Kate Sylvester which would look so great worn to FashioNZ’s very own ‘Future of Fashion’ seminar on the Friday morning. Another simple way of pulling an outfit together is building up an ensemble of basics and choosing a statement piece to be the focal point, such as this amazing colour blocked faux fur coat from Superette – who are hosting an exciting ‘Shop the Runway’ event after their show on Friday evening.
See Through Me Sweater, $189 from Storm (left), Millie Dress, $134.25 from Augustine (centre), Pia T-Shirt, $69 and Riley Skirt, $99 from Pia Boutique (right).
And then it’s Fashion Weekend, an exciting chance for the wider public to attend and to revel in all things fashion. Might we suggest wearing comfortable footwear for shopping the Designer Pop-Up Sale and the General Collective Markets in? We also love the easy elegance of this knit and silk skirt outfit from Storm pictured on the left. Beloved label Augustine is showing on Saturday afternoon and you can be sure to spot many an attendee in their signature bright and bold looks, we especially love this vibrant red floral dress.
Later on in the same day PIA is on the schedule whose designs captivate a very loyal fan base much like Augustines, her take on a designer t-shirt as seen above would be a great piece to incorporate into your outfit. The shows during Fashion Weekend differ to those shown during the week as the collections are currently in stores, while the trade shows through the week mostly present looks for next winter, in this aspect the weekend shows are a great opportunity to see what’s available to shop now, help spark styling ideas, or perhaps even introduce you to a new designer or label.
As always our advice is simply aimed to inspire, it’s not to say one must only dress in head to toe designer clothing-raid the depths of your closet, your friend’s closet, your mum’s closet! Scour vintage shops or Designer Wardrobe, try to support local designers where you can and is attainable for your budget. Most importantly enjoy putting a stylish outfit together and have a great time!
Images supplied.