That’s a wrap: Every little thing that happened at the FQ x OPPO Runway
3 April 2023
By Fashion Quarterly
After months of planning, the FQ x OPPO Runway drew to a close on a mild March Monday afternoon in Auckland. We look back on every little detail that made this show a core memory.
Taking place at the QT Auckland, the hotel’s Viaduct-facing urban courtyard was transformed into a runway where countless models would make their way down wearing the latest clothing, shoes, and accessories by New Zealand designers handpicked by stylist Sammy Salsa. The runway, which resembled a modern garden party, was designed to embrace the change in season and celebrate the launch of Fashion Quarterly’s autumn 2023 issue and the release of OPPO’s new Find N2 Flip phone.
There was much to see, sip, admire, and even more left to desire (don’t worry, you can shop the runway looks here). One week on, we attempt to recap every little detail that went into making the FQ x OPPO Runway the seasonal highlight it was.
Guests arrived from midday with VIPs and our OPPO Hide & Find winners being chauffeured in Maserati’s supplied by Winger Maserati before being greeted by FQ’s editor in chief Sarah Murray. Inside, Runway attendees made their way through to the lobby and bar area where they mingled over an assortment of champagne, wine, beer, bespoke cocktails and sparkling water before shuffling through the atrium towards the runway.
Editor in chief Sarah Murray addresses the crowd following the FQ x OPPO Runway show.
Tote Bags: Fancy a peek inside the FQ x OPPO ‘Love on the Run’ tote bags? Guests went home with treats from Tory Burch, Saben, OPI, Glasshouse, Brie Leon, Estee Lauder, Antipodes, Dr Lewinn’s, No Ugly, Guerlain, Shiseido, Haircare, OPPO, and of course, the latest issue of Fashion Quarterly.
At the top of the runway, an oversized white ‘FQ’ sculpture crowned with a selection of lilac and mauve flowers took centre stage. Down each side of the runway, black FQ x OPPO ‘Love on the Run’ tote bags filled with premium beauty and lifestyle products sat tucked neatly beneath guests’ seats and guided attendees to their positions. To the right of the runway, DJs and producers Jupiter Project rang out tunes to keep the mood high while remaining guests made their way through. Team FQ were on job either catching up with our lovely friends of FQ, snapping pictures of guests on the new OPPO Find N2 Flip phones, or backstage with the models, stylists, and hair and make-up teams perfecting each final look.
And then at approximately 12:35pm, the music dipped for a few moments, the first model appeared, and the runway was underway. Each look paired new season pieces by New Zealand designers with footwear by Mi Piaci and Merchant. And the models had their hair styled by Haircare and their makeup by Guerlain.
Sip-sational: Runway guests had the option of Daniel le Brun NV Bubbles, Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc, Roaring Meg Pinot Gris, Te Kairanga Pinot Noir, Steinlager Ultra or a choice of two 1800 cocktails: a coconut margarita made with 1800 Coconut tequila or a classic margarita using 1800 ARTIST tequila. All generously supplied by Lion.
On the menu: To start, Runway attendees indulged in Te Matuku oysters with Champagne mignonette. For entree, there was puff bread, taramasalata chive, lemon zest; Mangonui line caught kingfish crudo, pomegranate, creme fraiche; chargrilled golden queen peaches, pistachio pesto, nasturtium. Main included Leigh line caught snapper fillet, garden peas, cherry tomato, fennel, pistou broth; petite salad, bitter leaves, hummus; and duck fat potatoes with garlic and rosemary rock salt. And to finish: petit fours.
At Esther Restaurant, Runway attendees had the choice of Mumm Marlborough, wines from Church Road including crowd-pleaser Church Road Gwen Rosé supplied by Pernod Ricard.
Once the runway was complete, Runway attendees ditched their cocktail glasses in the grass and popped down their bottles of San Pellegrino to make a beeline for a photo in-front of the big FQ before settling in for their late lunch at Esther Restaurant.
Cut to 2:30pm and guests were done with their degustation and deep discussions on their wardrobe wish lists. It was time to party. For Runway attendees who had time on their side, everyone united on the top floor in QT’s Rooftop Bar where the OPPO Afterparty was in full swing. Jupiter Project were on the decks and the margaritas were flowing. The florals continued en masse with the addition of hydrangeas and gladiolus, forming lilac clouds with the odd pop of red. There was a large-scale retro marquee OPPO sign glowing in the centre (another infamous photo opportunity from the day) and the sun eventually set on what was a magnificent event cleverly executed by FQ’s commercial director Vanessa Bathfield.
Fashion Quarterly editor in chief Sarah Murray uses the new OPPO Find N2 Flip phone.
First class florals: The runway, which was lined with stunning lilac and mauve arrangements by florists Wildly Madly Deeply, was brought to life with cascading assortments of gypsophila, limonium, lisianthus, delphiniums.
Select guests were transported in style thanks to Winger Maserati.
QT Auckland’s Rooftop Bar moments before the guest arrive for the OPPO Afterparty.
Award-winning stylist Sammy Salsa backstage at the FQ x OPPO Runway.
Models backstage having their hair and makeup done by the teams behind Haircare and Guerlain.
Each look made complete with footwear supplied exclusively by Merchant and Mi Piaci.
Photos: Tom Witte.
