Between all the shows and events, we found some time to talk to fashion friends old and new about what they were wearing, what they loved and their thoughts on the local industry.
1/6
What do you do?
I do so many random things. I’m a stylist [ed’s note: see her shoot in our latest issue], I take photos and I run an editorial website called Cool Pretty Cool.
What are you wearing?
I’m wearing a Paris Georgia gown and Tiffany & Co. Jewels. I’m not used to wearing something so glamorous so really living it up right now.
What has been the highlight of your week?
The Campbell Luke show was the most touching and magical show I’ve been to in my life. I still get teary thinking about it.
Have you noticed improved sustainability and inclusivity at #NZFW?
Yes there have been steps forward but there is so far to come. Almost every show I went backstage at had countless plastic bottles and food packaging, goodie bags were packed with a lot of things that will undoubtedly end up in landfill. A lot of the shows still felt like the diversity inclusions were tokenism. I hope we get to a place where everyone is putting in genuine effort and doing the best for people and the planet across the board.
Who are your favourite local designers?
Kate Sylvester holds a special place in my heart as I’ve been wearing her pieces since I started in the industry. Newer labels I love are Olli, which showed in a group show this week, and Johani Lou who makes amazing multi-coloured dresses and was in the Graduate show.
How are you making mindful wardrobe choices?
I’m avoiding fast fashion altogether – if I want a cheap fashion fix I’ll pop to an op shop!
What do you think is unique or different about Kiwi fashion?
There is so much love in collections here. Whether it’s using recycled materials, local production, or thinking about marginalised communities (like Ruby customising styles for those with accessibility needs), every brand is doing something driven from the heart and that really is quite magical.
2/6
What do you do?
I’m a NZ Fashion Week ambassador and I work as a fashion stylist/director freelance.
What are you wearing?
Coat by Layplan, hoodie and beanie Checks Downtown, op-shop pants, Deadly Ponies bag, Nike Air Force Ones, and Le Specs sunglasses.
What has been the highlight of your day/week so far?
A highlight was when one of the Fashion Week workers thought I was volunteer and asked me to unpack a box – I said I was the NZFW ambassador! Lol.
Have you noticed improved sustainability and inclusivity at NZFW?
I’ve noticed a lot more designers are being conscious with being inclusive in their collections, and I’m talking skin colour, sizes and ability. But I don’t want to see it as just a trend this year but as a staple conscious decision in doing this as part of their make up.
Who are your favourite local designers?
Zambesi, Benjamin Alexander, Layplan.
How are you making mindful wardrobe choices?
I’m wearing second-hand clothes and supporting young emerging conscious designers.
What do you think is unique or different about Kiwi fashion?
I feel like there’s a sense of community when it comes to collections and I think it is because we are so small, we are not too phased by the sensationalism of fashion in a global spectrum. We just do our thing and we do good shit.
3/6
Who are you and what do you do?
I study fashion and model.
What are you wearing and why did you choose this outfit?
Benjamin Alexander – I’m in the show!
What has been the highlight of your week?
Being the only boy to walk in the Paris Georgia and Benjamin Alexander shows.
Have you noticed improved sustainability and inclusivity at NZFW?
Definitely – like Kate Sylvester including her archive pieces. I also think the casting is better all round this year.
Who are your favourite local designers?
Wynn Hamlyn, Penny Sage and Harman Grubiša
4/6
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m an illustrator, and I also run my own online marketplace, Maker’s Mrkt.
What are you wearing?
Karen Walker dress (editor’s note: this is on the cover of our latest issue of FQ!) and sunglasses, cardigan by The Knitter, pocket by Eirian Chapman, Ellesse sneakers and a vintage bag.
What has been the highlight of your week so far?
I love catching up with everyone at fashion week, and really enjoyed the Maggie Marilyn show.
Have you noticed improved sustainability and inclusivity at NZFW?
It’s way more chill and down to earth, everyone is definitely thinking about sustainability. Maggie’s speech was excellent.
Who are your favourite local designers?
Karen Walker, Yu Mei, Jasmin Sparrow, Wynn Hamlyn, The Knitter and Kate Sylvester.
How are you making mindful wardrobe choices?
Everything I buy is either sustainable or vintage. I never shop fast fashion. I believe in mending and tailoring your clothes. Don’t follow trends – they’re the biggest problem.
What do you think is unique or different about Kiwi fashion?
Kiwis do what they want to do they’re less influenced by trends.
Photo: Wono Kim
5/6
What are you wearing?
I’m wearing a scarf I made around my head like a babushka, a Belgian military mesh thermal underneath a white shirt I got tailored in Vietnam, a Vivienne Westwood pearl choker, black slightly cropped pants, a pair of baby blue Zambesi socks and a pair of see-through Nike Zoom Fly sneakers.
What was the highlight of your week?
One of my highlights would have to definitely be meeting all the people that I look up to and making connections with lots of people. Plus the Zambesi show on Thursday night which was so amazing. I loved the way they incorporated the escalators, and used the books from the library as accessories!
Have you noticed improved sustainability and inclusivity at NZFW?
Yes, there was a big push with sustainability this year – like with the Maggie Marilyn show, where they sold the grass that was used on the runway and gave the leftover cheese platters to the City Mission; meaning nothing went to waste. It was also amazing to see how much NZFW included everyone, with seminars dedicated to diversity, models with disabilities, volunteers with disabilities and a big involvement with All is for All.
Was there a defining moment that made you interested in design and clothing?
Nothing specifically but as I get older each year I get more into clothes and fashion. I’m learning to sew at the moment with my Grandma.
How are you making mindful wardrobe choices?
By doing my research on the brands I purchase from, finding out where what I’m wearing comes from and how it’s made. I think it’s really amazing how brands are starting to use vegan leather and recycled cotton and fabrics to make their clothes.
What do you think is unique about Kiwi fashion?
What’s very different about New Zealand fashion, and it’s why I like New Zealand fashion so much, is the Dunedin look. Dunedin was the birthplace of Zambesi and Nom*D, and this look has influenced so many other New Zealand designers.
6/6
What do you do?
I’m a designer, my label Matu is showing at Miromoda.
What are you wearing?
Vintage Gucci jacket, Jimmy D pants, a shirt by my own label Matu, and vintage shoes.
What has been the highlight of your day/week so far?
Bobby’s show (Campbell Luke).
Have you noticed improved sustainability and inclusivity at NZFW?
I’m particularly looking forward to the Miromoda show for both of those reasons.
Who are your favourite local designers
Jimmy D, Misty Ratima and Kowtow.
How are you making mindful wardrobe choices?
I dress for the feeling clothes bring, that helps me make mindful choices. I also commit to wearing vintage clothing and sustainable fabrics.
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