Meet the FQ team: Editorial assistant Amberley Colby

What’s your role at Fashion Quarterly?

I’m FQ’s editorial assistant, so my job primarily involves writing features and content for print and digital, but you’ll also find me working behind the scenes on some of our shoots.

What will your focus be at NZFW?

I’ll be trying to get the best snaps during the shows, noting down the emerging trends and themes we’re seeing on the runways, as well as getting the lowdown from designers on their new collections. I’m really looking forward to sharing this new era of NZFW with our readers, and highlighting some of Aotearoa’s freshest talent and more established names.

When did you attend your first NZFW and what’s your standout memory from it?

I don’t know if this counts as ‘attending’ but I have walked in multiple fashion weeks since 2013 as a model. However this will be my first time attending as a member of the media which is both exciting and kind of strange. My first ever fashion week in 2013 kicked off with Zambesi, which was also the first major show my fifteen-year-old self had walked at that point. The show started by raising the runway backdrop to reveal all of the models and team backstage getting reading and hurriedly changing between looks. It was such a cool and memorable concept letting the attendees see what takes place behind the scenes of a runway show, as this is normally the opposite of what they’re trying to do. The collection itself was sharp, tailored and powerful. I remember I was wearing this beautiful pink patterned organza outfit – it was hard to miss. A very fond memory, that one.

What has been your favourite NZFW show/collection to date?

There have been so many. Aside from the aforementioned Zambesi show, Kate Sylvester’s 2014 show ‘Tartt’ was a standout for me. She was inspired by Donna Tartt’s novels and Tartt’s own sense of style so all the clothes were quite librarian sexy chic. During the finale they let off these confetti cannons and cuttings of the book pages fluttered from the ceiling onto the runway. It was so theatrical and beautiful. 

What show(s) are you most looking forward to this year?

It’s so hard to say as there are so many I’m interested in, but Rory Docherty is of particular interest to me because I adore his designs and I also wrote a profile on him for our spring issue (which goes on sale after fashion week). Aside from that, the usual suspects like Kate Sylvester, NOM*d, Zambesi, Juliette Hogan are top of mind. I’m really looking forward to seeing the emerging talent too!

What kind of trends or themes are you hoping to see on the runway this year?

I’m a sucker for a real statement piece so I would love to see some show-shopping evening dresses or tops utilising interesting colours or textures on the runway. Otherwise, everyday tailoring is a big interest of mine.

What’s your key to making the week go smoothly?

Aside from the obvious preparation that goes into it, getting sufficient sleep and keeping hydrated and fuelled will be a priority for me. Our small but mighty team will also be sharing the workload so that we can all stay sane and enjoy ourselves. 

What’s your NZFW style?

Eclectic – as is my everyday style. One day you’ll see me in a full noise pink suit and the next in a muted black ensemble. I’ll be taking some of my under-utilised heels out for a spin and trying to be comfortable and chic simultaneously.