Yu Mei’s “Fine China” collection at New Zealand Fashion Week 2016.
The third day of New Zealand Fashion Week 2016 kicked off with an off-site presentation by luxury handbag label Yu Mei, designed by Jessie Wong. Thievery Studios on Auckland’s Karangahape Road hosted a simple but chic display of Yu Mei’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection called “Fine China” which was inspired by the bustle of the underground markets of the Far East and the weathered opulence of decades past.
The range consists of handmade handbags, wallets and accessories crafted out of oh so soft and wonderful to touch leather that are finished with gold hardware. Olive green and black make up the foundation of the collection which also features nude, ivory and rich burgundy that gives the range a feeling of understated luxury. Yu Mei’s clean branding is neatly embossed on the pieces and you get the sense that this name will be seen hanging from the arms and shoulders of many of New Zealand’s stylish folk.
This event marked Yu Mei’s NZFW debut and to make the most of the occasion Wong, with the help of her production manager, cut and crafted a bag from start to finish right there and then as part of the presentation, much to the interest and delight of the assembled fashion pack. It’s one thing to know that a product is handmade but it’s quite another to watch its construction and Wong was able to demonstrate not only her passion for her beautiful products but also her expert skills at crafting them. Come next year’s fashion week we expect to see many more Yu Mei bags and accessories sighted everywhere.
Check out all the images from Yu Mei’s presentation for NZFW 2016 here.
By Evelyn Ebrey
Images by James Yang Photography