COUTURE

Grand National Winter Fashion on The Field judges Kia Dirkson, Rebecca Stewart, Matt Anderson, and Elizabeth Charleston. Illustration by Stacey Rose.

Kia Dirkson, Fashion & Beauty Editor @kiatheamerican We are free from the confines of lockdown, so who is ready to dress their best? I know I am. I entered my first all American beauty pageant at the tender age of four. This (and ballet, of course) was just a part of the landscape growing up in America at the time. Fast forward to 2021; I find myself judging at the annual Grand National Winter Fashion in the Field event at Riccarton Park. My fellow judges and I (a stunning group of fashionistas in their own right) were tasked with selecting the Best Dressed man and woman on the day, and in doing so, completing a full package of pageantry for me – a most fashionable benchmark!

I am looking forward to stylishly slipping into the season of spring. And with the warmer weather comes lighter textiles, bold colours, and events that are a bit more fashion-friendly, such as Cup Week.

Some would have you believe that the races are about horse racing. We know it’s really about the hats, headpieces, fascinators – whatever you wish to call them.

It’s a time-honoured tradition. Back in the day, it became a way for a lady to display her status and taste. In this day and age it is still a firm tradition in the racing scene and one that needs to be honoured.

And so, for Couture this issue, we bring you a trio of the most skilled milliners, all based right here in Ōtautahi. Maria Wright Millinery offers us classical whimsy, Mad as a Hatter’s Suzi Copeland’s bespoke beauties are truly timeless, and Roz Willmott-Dalton’s meticulously structured creations are the best of the best when it comes to the true talent of millinery in Canterbury. So don your hat, and head off to the races!

STYLE TIP Not keen to make a heavy head investment? All of our selected milliners offer ready-made hats to hire for any occasion.

Row 1 Mad As A Hatter by Suzi Copeland madasahatter.co.nz @madasahatter_no1 Row 2 Maria Wright Millinery facebook.com/mariawrightmillinery @mariawrightmillinery Row 3 Willmott-Dalton Design and Hat Hire willmottdalton.com @wddmillinery

102 OXFORD TERRACE, CHRISTCHURCH +64 3 355 8493 WORKINGSTYLE.CO.NZ

CHARMED

Thomas Sabo is known for its glamorous and diverse designs. Let this snake slither into your jewellery box and amp up your style game with just a slide on the finger. The stylish serpent is sterling silver and goldplated, featuring stunning abalone mother of pearl, native stones, and zirconia for that extra bit of bling. Thomas Sabo Ring, $699 ballantynes.co.nzwebsite.co.nz

WELL-HEELED

Nemesis 95mm Orange croc, $319 nicolerebstock.com We love Nemesis by Nicole Rebstock. This signature design has become the iconic piece of the collection made for the fiercest of females. The classic silhouette finished in orange croc print embossed leather gives you style options to dress up or pair with wide-leg jeans for that Parisian chic look.

Nicole Rebstock is coming to The Crossing this October. Stay tuned to Avenues Instagram for opening dates and events details.

CRAVE

Are you lusting for a bit of luxury? We have selected the Louis Vuitton Coussin as our must-have accessory for those looking to invest this season. Made from embossed lambskin, the iconic LV monogram print makes a statement with whatever outfit your choose. The bold chain adds just that extra bit of glamour. The Coussin can be worn cross-body, as a chain baguette, or comfortably under the arm. Louis Vuitton Coussin, $4000, louisvuitton.com

THREAD CRED

WHO Olivia

WHERE Madisons off Broadway at The Crossing

WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK Oliva is the epitome of class in this Calvin Klein one of a kind floral print dress. Effortlessly chic, the mermaid tail adds a touch of movement and femininity to this look. Classics never go out of style – this race day ready or summer garden party look is paired with bold emerald green chandelier earrings, subtle nude pumps, and a clutch purse. Calvin Klein Dress $389, Earrings $99, Clutch $169 madisonsoffbroadway.com STYLE TIP Pair prints with solid accessories as seen here. Too many patterns will overwhelm the whole look. Less is best.

Discover fashion, beauty, and more in Christchurch’s retail heart at The Crossing, located just off Cashel Mall.

WORDS Kim Newth

Spring 2021 has been a rather mixed bag so far, bringing lockdowns, along with golden days, blossom, and daffodils. A handful of optimism wouldn’t go amiss as we start looking ahead to New Zealand Cup Week and start planning what to wear.

If you’re particularly interested in something versatile that you will love and keep on wearing long after the races are over, then STORM at Merivale Mall has many great options.

“We have an amazing collection of silk printed dresses this season,” says STORM’s Creative Director Deborah Caldwell. “This was definitely a big opportunity for us this season. With florals, smudgy pinks and purples, dark and moody as well, there is something for everyone.”

This season, a top pick is the store’s new Killick Slip Dress, a beautiful satin midi that fits well and is flattering for most body shapes. Designed with love, a new collection of leather bags, soon to be unleashed, will be worth waiting for. They’re perfectly sized for both events and everyday use. While in-store, browse the timeless pieces from Silk & Steel jewellery, STORM’s sister New Zealand brand.

Deborah has been involved in New Zealand’s fashion industry for over 30 years. Back in 2005, she saw there was a gap in the market for fashion with an edge, inspired by beautiful fabrics and unique prints.

“I had a very clear vision and the passion to make it happen. The journey of STORM began from my home on the North Shore of Auckland, and we then opened our first Christchurch store in 2006. We used to have two stores in Christchurch – one on High Street, which then became a Cashel Mall container store, and our Merivale Mall store.”

Today, STORM is revered for its iconic rock ‘n’ roll edge, representing confident women with an inner rock star attitude.

“Our collections are exclusive, and pieces are rarely repeated. Our customers know they’re purchasing something that will last a long time and keep them standing apart from the crowd.”

Rather than being influenced by trends, STORM takes a long term view on fashion and has a range of iconic pieces. “In saying that, we are seeing a lot more wide-leg pants and oversize blazers – I personally love this look as it can be quite relaxed or made more formal for work by just changing out your shoe.”

Everyday wear has never looked better, with STORM having just refreshed some popular pieces from their last spring-time collection, including a coveted jumpsuit and satin pants. Expect also a great mix of exciting new fabrics. Joining their coveted line-up of silk prints will be silk/cotton blends, Tencels, and other luxe-to-touch fabrics.

For Deborah, inspiration starts with the fabrics and all prints selected are exclusive to STORM.

Out of last year’s lockdown came the STORM Styling Boutique, a brand new concept store – and even a their own gin, called Black Wolf Gin. New ideas are brewing out of this latest lockdown. Of course, the online store with the latest look books is always open.

STORM at Merivale Mall has a fantastic team of stylists who value their authentic relationships with customers.

“They give very real and honest styling advice. We want your STORM pieces to be pieces you feel good in and want to wear for years to come. It’s great when they can leave our store feeling and looking amazing.”

merivalemall.co.nz