Opening Night: The Art of Style
Kicking off the week’s festivities is an opening show with creative direction by Dan Ahwa, exploring what personal style means right now and asking whether fashion can remain a space for imagination, imperfection and humanity. From the ritual of getting dressed to the freedom to experiment, it’s a celebration of style as something deeply personal — and always evolving.
What we heard…
Opera swelled into punk-rock, then swung back to orchestra. And was that some Kylie we heard?
What we saw…
Vintage styling. Think Tudor-esque frill collars and corsets and old-world accessories.
The beauty detail…
Smokey eyes stole the show. Some barely there, some full drama.
Blink and you’d miss it…
We spotted: Annabella Barber and Isabella Moore walking alongside fashion icon Doris de Pont, writer Emma Gleason and chef Josh Emett.
Overhead on the FROW…
“Don’t they know fashion people can walk in heels at any time?.” (The invite suggested guests leave their heels at home.)
Photography by Radical.
Caitlin Crisp
Feathers, ballet dancers and a Dirty Dancing moment — As the first solo designer show on the week’s calendar, and with one of its looks gracing the cover of FQ’s Spring issue, Caitlin Crisp was a fitting way to start the second day of fashion week. Working with the Royal New Zealand Ballet to bring her 40-look collection to life, Crisp delivered a joyous runway show filled with bows, frills and plenty of playful hemlines.
What we heard…
‘I Love You Always Forever’ by Donna Lewis into ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’ from Dirty Dancing (yes, they did the lift).
What we saw…
Lots of pink and florals, as you’d expect. Peplum is back, ballet meets prep. Lots of nautical/summer in the Hamptons vibes.
The beauty detail…
Glossy blow waves and ballet buns. Pink, rosy cheeks and glowing skin.
Blink and you’d miss it…
Raffia accessories – we spotted wedges and wide-brimmed hats – beaded belts and pointe shoes (of course!).
Overheard on the FROW…
“This is the happiest show I’ve been to.”
Photography by Ruby Jayne Hamilton.
twenty-seven names
For their 20th anniversary show, twenty-seven names took us back to school, marking two decades in fashion with a collegiate-inspired runway that put their SS26 collection front and centre. Think campus codes, nostalgic uniforms and a lesson in the effortlessly playful style the New Zealand label has made its own.
What we heard…
A gospel version of a Frank Ocean song opened the show, moved into 90s hip hop and even some Charli XCX.
What we saw…
Collegiate, preppy style. The brand’s signature floral prints, bows and oversized collars were out in full force. We spotted some great graphic tees and twin sets.
The beauty detail
Wavy hair, fresh faced and glowing skin.
Blink and you’d miss it
Bag ladies have never been so chic – there was a cat ornament, flowers and newspapers in bags, scrunchies on wrists and graduation cords worn around necks
Overheard on the FROW
“Okay, this soundtrack is a VIBE”.
Photography by Radical.
