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Fashion
By Daisy Sillis
T
urning up to the Viaduct Events Centre I had no idea where I was going or what I was doing. Extremely directionally challenged, I blindly wandered around for a bit. This kind of environment can be slightly intimidating. I’d be lying if I said I got my media pass and it was all easy from there. I lost my pass twice, put the wrong invite card in my media necklace and was asked repetitively by security to provide the right information when walking through the revolving door. Useless. Day One: The Liam show had an interesting collection of subtle harness-like chains that hugged waist lines like delicate bondage. These were partnered with tailored pants and shirts. Floor sweeping, high slit skirts were a favorite although nothing new. I guess the major benefit of that particular item is it is the best way to show off bare thigh while not having to shave the backs of your legs. A beautifully made and wearable range but I was left feeling like I didn't see anything unexpected. Ruby is like the daring, risk taking sibling to the Liam range. Sixties prints, baby
blue fur and burgundy cord. It sounds like a bizarre combination but teamed with a beanie, the entire look was wearable and cohesive. I enjoyed the new blue hue.
summed up in one word, Tumblr. Dip dyed pink and blue hair - it looked like the dashboard of my 16-year-old cousin’s blog. Bloggers are taking over the world. Front row was a collection of The Four Eyes clan, Katherine Is Awesome and a particular sour faced blonde. They all looked really unhappy; maybe it’s not cool to be excited at fashion week. Four Eyes looked incredibly well put together. Immaculate. I like them and I think you should too. Check out their blog, eyeseyeseyeseyes.com. In terms of the local celebs, the Ridges were taking pouty selflies religiously before each show.
Cybele would have been a top runner but I couldn't help but feel like many pieces were similar to other brands past season collections. Okay, the word 'copied' shouldn't be thrown around lightly but much of the soft pink leopard patterns were not far from past Karen Walker prints. Coop, a sibling label to Trelise Cooper, was my day one highlight. Kooky prints of sunglasses and hot pink fans were a theme and - when partnered with leather - it was a truly colorful and original show.
Trelise Cooper knows how to put on a show; it’s her 30 years of experience. She is one of our most famous fashion names internationally and she must have spent a small fortune on this show. All the seats were decorated with battery operated, glowing goodie bags as well as first and last name signage - even for my insignificant place in the back row. I'm a sucker for self-importance. For lack of a better word it was pretty fabulous. Trelise loves her layers, frills and florals but the combination was tasteful and a lot more modern than I expected. The second half of
Zambesi was mostly black, moody, baggy and grey. The best part was the hair, a swarm of rat’s tails on each stunning model - which I loved. As a brand they always manage to make clothes that stand the test of time. Investment pieces. But all in all, Zambesi is famous for designing clothes that never date, and that may be because they never change. Day Two: Riddle Me This can be
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the show had a 1920's taste with stunning hair pieces and flapper style dresses, but the true magic was when the lights went out and a gaggle of models wearing glowing dresses walked the dark runway. Charlie Brown was the only international designer who featured at fashion week. It was different and unexpected, like trashy westie meets Japanese call girl. After seeing eight shows it was a relief to see something different, matching leopard print jackets with tight-fitting snakeskin dresses and Japanese parasols. It was a delightful change to the continuous floral, tailored ensembles. It wasn't very cohesive, more of a beautiful mess. One green mermaid-like sequin dress looked incredibly sexy. The finale walk was the most talked about part of the show, the last model was a swaying tower and lost all balance just feet from the end of the runway. Mayor Len Brown went to the rescue. I think it was a sweet gesture. Most front rowers may have avoided contact and just made the required owwwwing at a models expense.