Wellington’s creative scene will take centre stage this June with Common Material, a new three-day cultural event bringing together four of the city’s leading fashion labels — Yu Mei, Kowtow, twenty-seven names and JPALM — at City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi.
Running from 5th – 7th June, the event marks the gallery’s first public opening in over two years. The event will centre around a design exhibition bringing together garments, materials and archival works from each designer, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how fashion is produced in Aotearoa. This will be complemented by a programme of ticketed runway shows and panel talks.
A key highlight of the is Salon Yu Mei, which marks the accessory brand’s first foray into womenswear. Drawing on the codes of traditional menswear tailoring, the limited edition, made-to-measure collection will feature pieces crafted in classic suiting fabrics alongside 100% cashmere knits.
Led by Yu Mei founder Jessie Wong alongside City Gallery Wellington director Charlotte Davy, the initiative is conceived as the first iteration of an ongoing Wellington design biennial.
“Wellington has been in a period of renewal, with much of the city under construction for years,” said Young. “It hasn’t been an easy time for creatives and businesses, but there’s a renewed sense of optimism now. This event feels like an opportunity to put a stake in the ground and say: we’re back.”
Extending beyond fashion, Yu Mei has also collaborated with Wellington designer Gerard Dombrovski on a series of 100 sculptural hydroformed steel stools. Designed as functional seating for the exhibition, the pieces will also be available to purchase following the event.
With art direction and graphic design by Seb McLauchlan and Johannes Bay, and spatial design by Cheshire Architects, the project reflects a wider ambition to establish a recurring, cross-disciplinary platform spanning fashion, furniture, architecture, ceramics and more.
The event will also be supported by Wellington’s iconic Buoy Salon & Spa, which will create bespoke hair and makeup looks for each of the three runway shows.
“City Gallery Wellington is the centre of our city’s arts community,” said Davy. “We’re throwing open our doors to welcome Wellington back into our space and celebrate this remarkably talented group of designers who have chosen to base themselves here. There are so many creative fingerprints on this project, and the gallery is the vessel that holds everyone in place.”
