Fashion News

Meet the women behind the scenes at NZ Fashion Week

Lights, camera ... runway! Meet the team working behind the scenes at New Zealand Fashion Week
NZ Fashion Week

The heels are polished, the hairspray is at the ready and the runway is set for the return of New Zealand Fashion Week!

The most fashionable from here and abroad will flock to Auckland to see the collections our talented designers have whipped up.

In preparation for the big event, which officially kicks off today and has a special Fashion Weekend for the public on August 27-28, let us introduce some of the stylish women who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it a success.

To read out Q&A with some of the men behind NZFW, click here.

ANDREA MOORE, Designer

How many years have you shown at NZFW?

10 years.

What can people expect from your show this year?

We’ve got a really full on catwalk and big installation happening this year, which is really exciting.

What’s the best part of fashion week for you?

I love putting on a show and getting the team together. It’s all this creativity and it’s all being channelled onto the catwalk – I love that!

What’s your favourite NZFW memory?

It’s probably three years ago I think we had a show called The Hunt. It was a breakthrough show for our business because the fabric we used had been designed by our own studios. It was an amazing experience to be able to say we’re at that point where we’ve got the volume and we can make our own fabrics. That was wonderful.

What would you consider to be the highlight of your career so far?

At the moment I would have to say having our diffusion label I Am going into Farmers. I think it’s on the shop floor on August 18th and I’d say that’s a huge kind of highlight for us.

How would you describe your personal style?

It’s part of the Andrea Moore DNA, which is what I call “slouchy elegance”.

What’s the inspiration or story behind your NZFW collection?

It’s our spring/summer collection and it’s all about no guts no glory and what we’ve been doing with the business lately. We’ve been going into footwear, eyewear, I Am into Farmers and stuff. So if you don’t have any guts, then you don’t have any glory.

What tips do you have for designers aspiring to show at NZFW?

Fashion Week is what you make it, so if you put a lot into it you’ll get a lot out. It’s all about branding, so if you’re going in there to build your brand, it’s the perfect vehicle for that.

SABRINA BRUNTON, Model

How long have you been modelling for?

1 month.

What would be the highlight of your career so far?

Probably working with David Shields – he’s like the coolest photographer.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without during fashion week?

Probably skinny jeans.

What’s it really like working backstage as a model?

It can be quite stressful and a lot of waiting, but overall it’s alright.

What show are you looking forward to this year?

I really want to watch Trelise Cooper, I love her clothes so that would be awesome.

What’s an average day for you like at NZFW?

Busy! I have to be there at 9 or 10 in the morning sometimes.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Clumsy, happy and funny.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world who would it be?

Karl Lagerfeld.

LEIGH MATHESON, Woman’s Day Style Director

How many years have you been attending fashion week?

Since the very beginning.

What’s an average day for you like at NZFW?

It will start at 5.30 AM, which is when my child gets up. And then I’m down at NZFW right from the first show through to the last show till sometimes 9 or 10 at night.

What’s one thing you can’t live without during fashion week?

Flat shoes!

What designer are you looking forward to seeing?

The comeback of World.

What do you think is going to be a big trend at the fashion week shows this year?

The usuals will continue to trend – so there will definitely be a lot of military and there will be a lot of oversized elements to the designs.

What’s the best part of fashion week for you?

Apart from the fashion, I love catching up with everyone and definitely the people watching.

What’s your favourite NZFW memory?

When a certain gossip columnist had a glass of wine poured over her -that was a bit of a highlight. Pamela Anderson running down the catwalk was also great. Sean Kelly last year was the first time I’ve cried at fashion week, his collection was amazing.

How would you describe your personal style?

I definitely have an urban edge to everything I wear.

SARA ALLSOP, Hair stylist

How long have you been working in the industry?

About 28 years.

How many years have you worked at NZFW?

I’ve worked at NZFW since the beginning. I’ve had some time off in between having children and then worked properly on it since about 2008.

What’s the biggest hair trend for NZFW this year?

Seems to be a lot of more straighter and undone looks that are not as polished. It’s a little bit more of what women can do for their hair themselves. There’s always a good ponytail.

What’s your favourite hair tool or product at the moment?

I just love serums – any type. I love the hair to just feel and do what it naturally wants to do and that’s what a serum will do.

What would an average day at NZFW be like for you?

I usually have a 3 hour call time and start around 8 or 9. Then a show will go on at around 11.30 or 12 and generally I might even have some crossovers. So while one show is starting to work I’ll be starting on the next. And generally about 2 maybe 3 shows a day.

What’s the best thing everyone can do for your hair?

I think just a really good shampoo and conditioner that’s right for your hair type. It’s about caring for your hair ongoing, not just quick fixes.

How much time do you spend styling an individual hair look at NZFW?

Not long. It depends on your team, if you have a lot of people on your team, you can probably spend about 20 minutes, but if you have a small team only 15 minutes.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Travelling. I work internationally on fashion weeks in New York and Paris each season so I get a lot from working backstage on those shows.

Who’s your celebrity hair icon?

I actually love Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s hair, it’s so cool and so chic!

What show are you looking forward to at NZFW this year?

I look forward to all of them! They are all so different.

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