Heading up New Zealand Fashion Week this year was Wellington-based designers Twenty Seven Names. As always, they did not disappoint, with classic well-cut garments in navy and white, as well as earthy red and green combinations. The prints were styled together with white socks and black brogues, giving the show a tailored, preppy feel.
Trelise Cooper’s young hipster label Coop showcased high-tech fabrics in metallic sheens, with fun fur and short full skirts. While the collection isn’t for everyone, I predict the bold colour palette of hot pink, chilli red, and black and white geometric prints will provide some great inspiration for all ages next winter.
Company of Strangers are no strangers to cutting edge fashion. Setting the tone by showing in a hotel car park, the cleverly placed seating made the viewer feel as though they were sitting in a concrete bunker. Sticking to their roots of well-draped, oversized silk chiffon in white, green, mustard, and, of course, black, the structured garments were styled with chunky wedge boots and edgy bags.
A personal favourite of mine, Hailwood, has come so far from his days of printing t-shirts. Hailwood kicked the show off with sexy day wear, including slim jeans, classic shirts with wool jackets and capes, as well as his signature bird print, which added a fun, quirky appeal, and paid homage to his roots. Metallic pointy pumps kept the style casual, but sexy. He then shifted up a gear with his vintage-inspired dresses in opulent, shimmering, lush fabrics.
Andrea Moore packed a punch with block colours, pairing bold blue with vibrant pink and berry knits, as well as orange and yellow accessories. Letting the colour do all the talking, the cuts were slick, classic and beautifully executed.
I always look forward to Trelise Cooper’s show as it pulls huge crowds. This year, Trelise had an elevated stage with a stunning silk tent, suspended from the roof. Gone are all the boho frills and oversized bows in bold prints – this time, Trelise has taken a more structured, slick approach. As always, however, I loved the leather jackets and leggings, as well as the strong use of checks and stripes.
To sum up fashion week this year, classic tailoring is where it’s at, while bold colour is replacing complicated prints, creating collections that, as a whole, are very accessible and functional. Next winter, I recommend investing in a couple of tailored items, such as a jacket, coat, dress or pants, and layer with simple knits.
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