On Monday night, Fashion Quarterly gathered a stylish group of women to celebrate the release of our Spring issue with yet another luxurious sleepover. And with New Zealand Fashion Week kicking off that very same day, there was plenty to celebrate. Our home for the occasion? The playful, design-led world of QT Auckland.
Our guests were welcomed at the hotel by a sleek fleet of Audi’s and whisked through the city in comfort, setting the tone for the evening ahead. Our first stop of the evening? The new look Michael Hill boutique at 94 Queen Street where they browsed the Natural and Lab-Grown diamond pieces up close. With bubbles in hand and plenty of jewels to play with, it was the perfect dose of springtime indulgence before the week’s runway lights came up.
Then, it was back to QT Auckland where it was time to check-in and get ready for the night’s festivities. With its playful design, impeccable service, and world-class dining, this boutique hotel is the ultimate urban escape. Then there’s the room itself. If it weren’t for the busy night of festivities ahead, you’d never want to leave. Think playful design, heavenly king-sized beds and luxe in-room touches. Also waiting to be discovered was the famed FQ Sleepover gift bag. This season’s gifting included cosy Unmade. Pyjamas from Father Rabbit, ‘The Starter Pack’ from Bouf Haircare and a Floris London fragrance chosen to evoke the spirit of spring, accompanied by a miniature of the new Celest Eau de Parfum.
Following a quick outfit change and a few last-minute touch-ups, including a final spritz of Celest Eau de Parfum, it was time to head out the door as the opening night of NZFW awaited. With just enough time for a few street-style snaps we were whisked away to the NZFW opening show by our friends at Audi. With creative direction by Dan Ahwa, FQ’s fashion editor-at-large, ‘The Art of Style’ explored the relationship between fashion, performance and art, bringing new-season collections into conversation with pieces from New Zealand’s creative past and present.
Feeling inspired, we headed back to QT Auckland where we were treated to a three-course family-style dinner at Esther. Featured in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand, Esther brings the authentic tastes of the Mediterranean’s sun-soaked shores to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Inspired by travels chasing the food of the sun, renowned head chef Sean Connolly uses home-grown ingredients to share traditional techniques and flavours. Conversation flowed easily, punctuated by clinking glasses and the unmistakable hum of a room inspired by an evening of creativity.
Content from a memorable night of celebration, guests returned to their rooms where the evening wound down in comfort. Slipping into their Unmade. pyjamas from Father Rabbit, they embraced a slower pace before settling in with the latest issue of Fashion Quarterly before bed.
After a blissful night’s sleep, the morning began with breakfast at Esther. Bathed in morning light, it was the perfect opportunity to take a few moments to reflect on the night before, and prepare for a full day of NZFW festivities.
With everyone NZFW-ready, guests were chauffeured to Shed 10 by Audi for the final activity on our sleepover itinerary: the Caitlin Crisp show. As the first solo designer show on the week’s calendar, and with a look from the show gracing the cover of FQ’s Spring issue, it was a fitting finale. Working with the Royal New Zealand Ballet to bring her 40-look collection to life, the designer sent feathers, frills and plenty of playful hemlines down the runway.
And just like that, it was time to check out. After a night spent in the company of inspiring creatives, plenty of fashion conversation and a front-row taste of what was to come, we left QT Auckland feeling excited for the thrilling week of New Zealand fashion ahead. Until next time…
Photography: Katie Begbie.
