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Fashion
NZ's fabulous party By Daisy Sillis
continued from issue 22 Day Three of Fashion Week: Stolen Girlfriends was off site and at night. Sheepskin five panels, camouflage-like prints that were partnered with sharp collared t-shirts and three quarter shorts. 'Street wear' I guess it’s called. The wet haired models looked vampire like with glassy eyes and pale skin. What an original concept. They have some cool accessories, backpacks and tote bags that avoid trend bashing and look well-made, durable and practical. Throughout the week I noticed the wrap dress in numerous shows, and again it appeared, as well as a dirty yellow snot-like color that beautifully contrasted the patent leather. There was only three port-a-loos at this show to at least 400 people. How cruel - an open bar and minimal toilets. After a few hours the bathroom line was almost as long as the runway. I guess it gave me opportunity to have a giggle at a ridiculously drunk, middle aged, tight-faced woman who was trying to scab a smoke off the woman next to her. You don’t get classier with age. Their next season theme involves a snake screen print which looks very much like old season Mala Brajkovic, circa 2007. One dress was very special. Long, black, muscle-
back and mesh, leaving little to the imagination and the shiny patent leather was different to what I had seen throughout the week. I really liked the contrast. All in all, it was what you would expect from a hipster brand like SGFs. Highlight of my night was front row regular, Mark Hunter (The Cobra Snake) who was decked out in SGF matching sunflower print pants, top and bag flashing his hairy chest for the camera. Oh and obviously the free drinks.
standing on cushioned chairs, I scribbled in my notebook. Gloria stood at my feet, a dead camera around her shoulders acting as a prop if we were asked questions about her attendance. All I got down was 'prints' and 'five panels'. Again with the five panels. Between Huffer and SGF there is an obvious use of matching prints in all areas of an outfit. Shirt, hat, pants, bag and socks. It reminds me of a kid playing dress ups, looks fun. After three minutes of a ‘show’ it was over. The night was really just an excuse to party. No complaints.
Day Four: Huffer was also off-site and on the Friday night. By this point the intimidating atmosphere of fashion week had completely worn off and, being sick of spending my days alone, I decided to sneak my girl Gloria in to the final fashion week show. Standing in the 50 meter line out front the venue we both started to get cold feet. Gloria had been drinking for a few hours and was already hitting an early hangover at 8.30pm. Lucky for us we waited it out and by 9 were at the front of the line, ready to ‘cool’ our way into a party neither of us were invited to.
It was the first fashion show that provided actual food instead of just model food, aka wine. By this point Gloria was feeling good, looking great and telling anyone who would listen how we managed to sneak her in on my media pass. I was getting paranoid. My first fashion week and I may have overdone it. On the last day a blogger from Hong Kong, Pannee, noted how seriously we take this annual event - she asked me why. I think for a small country we like to make a big impact, we dress to impress. Fashion Week provides people with an insight into next year’s trends while also providing an opportunity for people to wear whatever they like -
There was no fashion show. Instead it was the spring/ summer collection placed on six models who were barely visible. Trying to balance,
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bizarre or conservative - and be welcomed by an industry that nurtures creativity. At the time I didn't have a reply for the blogger. I guess we may take it 'too seriously'..or is that just the cool kids hiding their jealously? Best Model - Derya Parlak Derya was not only my favorite, but also flavour of the week for many of the designers. I spotted her strut even with her face covered in mesh. She has a delish body, tiny waist with some impressive DD’s. A refreshing look that contrasts the size 4 models that are usually seen around fashion week. She flashes a cute wink or tongue poke at the most appropriate times on the catwalk. Model for Coop, Liam, Ruby, Stolen Girlfriends, Trelise Cooper, Charlie Brown, Juliette Hogan and far more. Best overheard quotes 'I thought I got my period on that runway' 'That show was like bird porn' 'Oh my god they were taking photos of me, I was like 'I'm not a model'!!'