NZ FASHION FESTIVAL
Written by Amy   
Friday, 19 March 2010 02:41

 

New York, Paris, London, Milan - all cities synonymous with style, superiority, and for any creative enthusiast, the ultimate destinations for artistic inspiration. The abundant offerings on the fashion frontiers of these cities provide multiple exciting events, which stimulate the different avenues of the industry all year around. Here in the depths of the Southern Hemisphere, the offerings on our fashion calendar are somewhat less ample. Traditionally, Air New Zealand Fashion Week stimulates September, and for one week of the entire year Auckland City undergoes an ephemeral transformation where fashion, beauty, music, and surrounding events reign supreme. The inaugural launch of the New Zealand Fashion Festival asserts that the nations fashion sphere is expanding. Co-owner of the festival, Myken Stewart, states that while initially there is only going to be one show, the public can expect to encounter a more generously proportioned schedule of events in the next few years. Stewart’s intention is to instigate “a much bigger festival, with shows, parties, exhibitions and even an international business seminar.” Definitely an appropriate move to accompany the continuously evolving talent within the nations creative arena. The Autumn/Winter 2010 collections of established designers Adrian Hailwood, Andrea Moore, Annah Stretton, Barkers, Cybele, Helen Cherry, Workshop Denim, Huffer, Juliette Hogan, Kate Sylvester, Moochi, Paula Ryan, Stolen Girlfriends Club, The Carpenters Daughter, Trelise Cooper, Yvonne Bennetti, Zambesi, and yes, even Ed Hardy, were put on display. Each designer illustrated approximately ten ensembles, which characterised the theme of their collections. Held at Shed 12, a derelicte-esque atmosphere was created. Overseas, in the aforementioned fashion capitals, this sort of layout would have been extensively thought out and planned, but due to the relatively slim total of fashion-show-friendly locations in Auckland, this venue was presumably necessary rather than a cohesive amalgamation of architecture and fashion.  A combination of industry-insiders and the general public piled in to the converted Wellesley Street warehouse eager to examine the introduction of New Zealand’s next fashion movement.  The disco-light backdrop activated, while the George FM DJ’s struck up the sound system, and Workshop Denim clad models strutted down the lengthy runway generating that intoxicating fashion show ambience that typically draws in the crowds. The play list was spot on - stirring up the spectators, and rousing a few noticeable toe taps, head nods and even hip thrusts from the more confident individuals who attended. Renowned models Derya Parlak and Samantha Shorter stole the show with their relaxed yet professional approach, while others took a more theatrical stance in response to the champagne consuming ladies wolf-whistles. A definite nod to plus size models was apparent as looks from The Carpenters Daughter pranced down the runway offering the occasional shimmy or air-kiss. Generally the looks presented by the designers appeared as though they would easily translate from the catwalk to the sidewalk, with extensive layering, scarves, and fluid fitting pants.  The designers demonstrated their colour credentials by pairing the same shades in varying degrees of intensity. Charcoal, black, neutrals, and barely there sherbet hues dominated the catwalk. Working in the industry, witnessing garments that have been on the national media radar since September was not as exciting as it may have been for others who attended. The music and the general atmosphere was what kept me intrigued. The manner in which the various outfits were presented was parallel to the promoted aim of making fashion accessible.  The New Zealand Herald Designer Garage Sale this weekend held in the Viaduct can be sure to offset inspiration for the wardrobes of many fleeting Aucklander's. The fashion industry automatically elicits a feeling of exclusion for many people. Particularly in a city like Auckland where the industry is rather small and events are generally an annual affair, the exclusion aspect can override the excitement. I think the Fashion Festival is a great way to offset public involvement in the local fashion community.  The timing of the event is ideal, as the ooh’s and aah’s of Air New Zealand Fashion Week have well and truly expired and with summer on the way out, generally so are the days of crammed social calendars. I am eager to see how the Festival progresses next time around, I’m not expecting a Bryant Park style experience, but I am however optimistic to see what Myken and Co come up with.
Last Updated on Thursday, 08 April 2010 03:31