Legends of the New Zealand fashion scene and this year’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, Zambesi opened NZFW on Monday night with a full-throttle, AW18 collection.

In celebration of the Mercedes-Benz partnership, designers Liz Findlay and Dayne Johnston created two bespoke men’s and women’s racing suits which stood as hero pieces among a collection peppered with vehicular references — think foil-coated cotton, quilted leather and sheepskin, and a zippy colour palette of black, yellow, and metallic accents.

Staged against a backdrop of flashing lights and set to a futuristic soundtrack, the show was an exciting ride from start to finish. As the dust settled, we debriefed backstage with Liz and Dayne…