Opening Night: The Art of Style
Kicking off the week’s festivities is an opening show with creative direction by Dan Ahwa, exploring what personal style means right now and asking whether fashion can remain a space for imagination, imperfection and humanity. From the ritual of getting dressed to the freedom to experiment, it’s a celebration of style as something deeply personal — and always evolving.
What we heard…
Opera swelled into punk-rock, then swung back to orchestra. And was that some Kylie we heard?
What we saw…
Vintage styling. Think Tudor-esque frill collars and corsets and old-world accessories.
The beauty detail…
Smokey eyes stole the show. Some barely there, some full drama.
Blink and you’d miss it…
We spotted: Annabella Barber and Isabella Moore walking alongside fashion icon Doris de Pont, writer Emma Gleason and chef Josh Emett.
Overhead on the FROW…
“Don’t they know fashion people can walk in heels at any time?.” (The invite suggested guests leave their heels at home.)
Photography by Radical.
Caitlin Crisp
Feathers, ballet dancers and a Dirty Dancing moment — As the first solo designer show on the week’s calendar, and with one of its looks gracing the cover of FQ’s Spring issue, Caitlin Crisp was a fitting way to start the second day of fashion week. Working with the Royal New Zealand Ballet to bring her 40-look collection to life, Crisp delivered a joyous runway show filled with bows, frills and plenty of playful hemlines.
What we heard…
‘I Love You Always Forever’ by Donna Lewis into ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’ from Dirty Dancing (yes, they did the lift).
What we saw…
Lots of pink and florals, as you’d expect. Peplum is back, ballet meets prep. Lots of nautical/summer in the Hamptons vibes.
The beauty detail…
Glossy blow waves and ballet buns. Pink, rosy cheeks and glowing skin.
Blink and you’d miss it…
Raffia accessories – we spotted wedges and wide-brimmed hats – beaded belts and pointe shoes (of course!).
Overheard on the FROW…
“This is the happiest show I’ve been to.”
Photography by Ruby Jayne Hamilton.
