BREAKING NEWS: New Zealand Fashion Fesitval 2012

An exciting addition to the New Zealand Fashion Festival line up; iconic label Nom*D will be showing their latest collection at Tuesday night’s Collections Show, Ruby’s sister brand Liam will showcase their Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection on Friday night, and widely-loved designer Karen Walker will be joining the team on Wednesday nights Viva Live, just one of the week’s scheduled seminars.

Nom*D at Collections #2
Nom*D will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection ‘Do Not Disturb’, which celebrates a ‘murky, hidden world with a concise collection of oversized layers and intricate contrasts’.

It will be ‘something crazy, something twisted, something beautiful’ - and definitely something you don’t want to miss!

Liam at Collections #5
Ruby’s sister brand Liam will join the Friday night line up showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection. For its debut season, Liam looks to the symbolism of daily rituals, and examines the ideas of modern day ceremonial dress.
Playful, strong, and distinctly modern with classic touches – you will be intrigued by the creativity of Liam and the stories behind what women choose to wear - this collection in the finale show is not to be missed!

Karen Walker at the Viva Live Seminar
Having just returned from New York Fashion Week and London, celebrated designer Karen Walker will be fresh and ready to talk all things fashion with the Viva girls – and you can be there!

This New Zealand born fashion designer has a reputation for original, effortless and unpretentious style, and her designs have firmly cemented an international presence – so you don’t want to miss what Karen has to say!

Check out the line up for all of the seminars on the OFFICIAL NZFF SCHEDULE, there is so much on offer, and all are a must-see!

The ticket that keeps on giving!
Never before has such a fashionable ticket given so much!
Your New Zealand Fashion Festival ticket not only gives you entry to see the latest trends from some of New Zealand’s best designers, but it also gives you a chance to redeem the FULL price of your group ticket back:

1. $40 discount or gift-with-purchase in-store at many participating Fashion Festival labels (see www.nzfashionfestival.com)
2. A FREE drink after the show at participating bars (see official schedule)
3. Plus Britomart Carpark is offering $5 overnight or weekend parking for all festival goers!

All MAC seminar tickets are also redeemable in store, so you can scoop up some new make-up and try out the latest trends the very next day!

But wait there’s more - Fashion Fine Dining at Roxy
Fashion Fine Dining at the Roxy is a fusion of fine dining and a sample of five designer’s collections, in a fabulous fashion experience on Saturday 25 February. Contact Gary Olasz 09 929 2701 or visit the website http://www.roxy.co.nz/ for more details.

With all of this of on offer you don’t want to miss out, so make sure you get your ticket and head on down to this fresh fashion extravaganza!

Find out more here >>

- Natalie Cosgrove

The latest collection from cult Kiwi shoe label Chaos & Harmony, ‘Common Confessions’, is an eclectic mix of elegant pumps, geometrically influenced wedges and structured boots.

According to Chaos & Harmony designer Beks Anderson, the collection“embodies the concept of objects of desires”. In other words, these are some seriously covetable shoes.

The collection captures the label’s signature aesthetic vision: eye-catching, expressive shoes, and the usual strong wearability combined with elements of the unexpected the label has become known for.

The winter collection was inspired by the art deco movement, as seen in the modern styling, sweeping curves, strong angular shapes and the solid block heels.

A few of my favourites include ‘York’, very cool stacked Mary Janes, the contrasting black and white ‘Jackie’ and ‘Fuller’ – definitely a must-have ankle boot for this winter’s wardrobe.

 Chaos & Harmony AW'12 'Common Confessions' collection

Coucou is the newest boutique store in the heart of Auckland city where you will find adorable vintage fashion, hand selected from around the word, by its owner.

The store welcomes you with a warm vibrancy and trinkets selectively placed around the room to keep your eyes wandering. You will find an eclectic display of feminine vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery in blazing varieties of colours sure to amaze. Even a few Topshop and ASOS items can be spotted.

My favourite items in the boutique are an array of bangles on the front counter that, like the rest of the store, come in a selection on bold colours and are embellished with gold detailing. They are sure to add a tribal touch to any summer outfit!

Coucou is located at 30 Custom Street in the Britomart precinct, Auckland city. Make sure you drop in and experience the wonderland of vintage boutique clothing.

REUTERS STYLE QUEEN: Designer Collette Dinnigan (centre) has been showing at Paris Fashion Week since 1995.

A-list fashion designer Collette Dinnigan jets into Wellington this afternoon for the first time in 26 years.

Dinnigan is one of four alumni to be inducted into the Massey University College of Creative Arts Hall of Fame at a black tie gala dinner tonight.

Born in South Africa, raised in New Zealand and now based in Sydney, Dinnigan has gone on to build a fashion empire since her time at Massey.

Five years after establishing her self-titled label in 1990 Dinnigan became the first Australasian designer to show at Paris Fashion Week. She has continued to show twice yearly in Paris since 1995 and remains the only Australasian designer to do so.

Her gowns are regularly worn on the red carpet by celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, Pink and Kate Hudson.

Last month she was in London to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

She regularly returns to Auckland to visit her father, Des, but hasn't been to Wellington since she left New Zealand for Sydney in 1985.

"I can't wait to get back there. It will be fun, though I remember the airport always being a horror to fly into," Dinnigan said. "I hear Wellington has great coffee too."

She said she was "flattered" to be one of four esteemed design and fine arts alumni Hall of Fame inductees.

"One of them is Mark Elmore who designed the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer. Everyone has one of those," she said.

Graphic designer Joseph Churchward. whose fonts are used the world over, and Wellington School of Design founder Arthur Riley are also being honoured. Previous inductees include Sir Richard Taylor, textile designer Avis Higgs and fashion designers Rebecca Taylor and Kate Sylvester.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Press Release – DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, is pleased to announce the finalists of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship for 2011.

The 2011 finalists are:

• Blak (based in Auckland)
• Lela Jacobs (based in Wellington)
• Nyne (based in Hamilton)

The winner of the scholarship will receive international freight to the value of NZ$10,000 and coaching in freight and logistics from DHL Express; as well as a tailored export mentoring package from Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) and an annual FINZ membership.

In a new addition to the scholarship this year, all three finalists will also be invited to join the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) Path to Market programme for apparel exporters, which aims to improve the rate and speed of market entry to Australia.

The winner of the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship will be announced Wednesday 30 November.

Entrants were invited to complete an official application and submit a design portfolio, which was judged by fashion and exporting industry leaders.

The judges were:

• Margarita Robertson, creative director and co-founder of NOM*D; one of New Zealand’s most iconic and enduring fashion brands
• Erica Crawford, prominent New Zealand entrepreneur and exporter; co-founder of Kim Crawford Wines and managing principal at Tentpole Holdings
• Megan Wildermoth, national strategic account manager (fashion and textiles) at DHL Express
• Mapihi Opai, executive officer at Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ).

Megan Wildermoth says the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship enables DHL to continue to support the fashion industry, which is such an important sector of the New Zealand export market.

“We’ve had some great entries this year, but the finalists selected are impressive designers in the New Zealand fashion scene. They’ve demonstrated strong export potential in terms of design and strategy, with all three trading positively. We are very excited to be working with them to help them realise their exporting potential and achieve international growth.”

Quotes on the finalists from the 2011 judges:

Margarita Robertson – “It’s wonderful to see the return of irreverence with this year’s finalists. Each of them has a strong business approach but without sacrificing creativity. The result is a very sharp, design-led product.”

Erica Crawford – “I’m pleased with the combination of design aesthetic and commercial insight shown by this year’s finalists. It’s very encouraging to see the balance being struck, between strategic business goals and their commitment to creativity.”

The DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship is in its fourth year, and is designed to identify New Zealand’s hottest up-and-coming fashion exporter and assist them in achieving international growth. It is open to New Zealand fashion designers who have been exporting for less than four years.

“FINZ has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with DHL Express. Over the years, they have provided untold support for the industry and continue to forge ties with a whole new generation of New Zealand fashion exporters,” says Mapihi Opai, executive officer at Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ).

“It’s also great to have New Zealand Trade & Enterprise involved in the scholarship this year, which presents new opportunities around export training for our three finalists,” says Mapihi Opai.

Stolen Girlfriends Club won the inaugural scholarship in 2008, and Lonely Hearts was awarded the scholarship in 2009 and Twenty Seven Names won in 2010. The scholarship was launched in Australia for the first time in 2010 and Sydney based label bec & bridge was awarded the scholarship.

Event Partners:

Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ)
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
M.AC Cosmetics
RYDER Salon
The Langham Auckland

About the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship

The scholarship was developed as a joint initiative between DHL and Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ) in 2008. DHL went on to launch the programme in Australia in 2010.

DHL– The Logistics company for the world
DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 51 billion euros in 2010.
www.dhl.co.nz

Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ)
FINZ is the voice of New Zealand’s fashion and apparel industry. Established in 2002, the non-profit organisation was founded by the industry to provide professional representation and support for the industry. “Our mission is to ensure the future growth and development of the fashion and apparel industry. And, to see it valued for its economic, creative and cultural contribution to New Zealand.”
www.finz.co.nz

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
NZTE is New Zealand’s economic development and trade promotion agency. The Path to Market programme seeks to improve the rate and speed of market entry for new to export companies. It bundles existing NZTE tools and services into coordinated programmes targeting specific sectors and markets.
www.nzte.govt.nz

Content source: scoop.co.nz

High Street is about to push its reputation as the cultural hub of Auckland shopping one step further this Friday.

The shopping district is about to launch Black Fridays, destined to be the best late-night shopping in town.

Starting this Friday, and held on the last Friday of every month, except December, Black Fridays will mean retailers stay open late, the area's bars and restaurants stay open even later and there will be drinks and entertainment specials throughout the night.

And as well as eating, drinking and shopping, organisers at the High Street Guild say each event will be different.

One thing that will be constant though is the starlight cinema that will operate in Freyberg Square showing films in under the stars.

And to make it all the more attractive, all purchases from participating businesses made on Black Friday go into the draw to win a High Street Experience - a day exploring the district worth $1500, including breakfast and lunch, an art appreciation session, clothing vouchers and a night at a High St hotel.

This week keen explorers can also take part in the High Street District Treasure Hunt. Starting from now, shoppers can pick up a treasure hunt card from anywhere in the area and on the night, if they get four stamps from any participating bar, they will get a $60 bar tab.

Black Friday runs from 5-9pm this Friday.

Article source: stuff.co.nz

The quirky Give It Up for Hospice campaign which is running throughout the country and is designed to raise awareness of their Hospice shops has been deemed a huge success. Designer and labelled items of clothing have been pouring into local Hospices from the public and New Zealand celebrities.

Celebrity New Zealanders who grace our televisions providing designer items from their closets are TVNZ's Breakfast combo Petra Bagust and Corin Dann, TV3's Paula Penfold and husband news presenter Mike McRoberts and TV3's Target presenters Brooke Howard-Smith and Jeanette Thomas. Brooke Howard-Smith says he is a bit short on designer gear and is giving up his prize Dan Carter autographed boot, worn by him in the 2011 season.

"The crew at Hospice are amazing, they hold a very special place for anyone who's ever come into contact with them, when you need them, and many of us will, they do an indescribable and often thankless job. Hundreds of staff and volunteers chipping in to make life easier for those in need."

Not to be out done New Zealand's most talked about media celeb Paul Henry is giving up one of his pairs of Converse shoes.

"I adore Converse shoes in fact I only wear them so choosing which ones to actually give up for Hospice was quite tricky but it's a great cause and I'm happy to help. I think their campaign is very clever."

National MP Nikki Kaye and candidate for North Shore, Maggie Barry are also involved. Ms Barry's connection with Hospice has been over a long period of time.

"I've been involved with Hospice since the death of my father 15 years ago and I understand on a personal level how valuable their support and wisdom can be. As Patron of Hospice New Zealand I know first-hand the outstanding work they do in our communities, supporting people to make the most of every day. Please help Hospice keep this valuable service free to all comers by supporting the excellent Hospice shops in their latest 'Give it up' designer gear drive. It's the best reason I can think of for a spring clean of the wardrobe."

The campaign now leads into its second phase which aims to encourage particularly younger people to go into their local Hospice shop and check out what designer bargains are on offer.

Recent New Zealand's Next Top Model winner, Brigette Thomas is the face of the campaign which is also being supported by New Zealand singer songwriter Gin Wigmore who is motivated to get involved through her own family experience using Hospice services.

Gin has recorded messages of support for Give it Up for Hospice which are being used on radio and as the voiceover for a TV commercial which goes to air on 21 November and has donated concert tickets as prizes for an online competition.

Brigette is a keen and experienced Hospice shop customer and has some tips for those just starting out.

"There are plenty of bargains to be had but the secret is to drop into your local Hospice shop regularly as they are constantly turning over items and bringing more out, so a couple of times a week is highly recommended."

Ms Thomas also says not to go in looking for a specific item of clothing.

"Don't go in looking specifically for a summer dress, it's always best to keep an open mind and just look through the racks for something that catches your eye. That way you'll be pleasantly surprised as you can always find something, even if it's a pair of earrings, a belt or a scarf."

As an added incentive anyone purchasing clothing from a participating Hospice shop between 21 November and 10 December can enter the online competition to win two tickets to one of Gin Wigmore's concerts that are part of the Classic Hits Winery Tour over February and March 2012. Winners will also receive backstage passes to meet the star as part of their prize.

All you need to do to enter is complete the entry form, scan or photograph it and upload to www.giveitup.co.nz along with a photo modeling the purchased Hospice item. Competition winners will be determined by the greatest number of "likes" on Facebook or You Tube.

Phase two officially begins on 21 November when Hospice shops will display the influx of designer and top labelled gear that has been donated.

There'll be something for every fashion and price conscious woman; from those who have grander tastes than their budget will allow; to those who love vintage or retro; to those who just want to create a totally unique style, all of their own.

And everyone knows how much women love clothes and getting them for a bargain is a bonus - but buying knowing you are helping a charity has to be the ultimate - it's guilt free shopping!

For more information and participating Hospice shops please log onto www.giveitup.co.nz

Spring-Summer 2012 is nearly upon us and many international designers have already showcased their collections at fashion weeks around the world. We're looking at a season of vast ambition, taking inspiration from the 1950's with classic lines, flowing, wearable lightweight dresses and voluminous skirts.

Nude, nude, nude! Think neutral tones paired with bright colour blocks - a must have for your Summer wardrobe.

We first saw color blocking make it's way into early 2011 collections and next year sees bold hues mixed with more neutral tones for greater wearability. Expect to see off-beat color combinations in high-color computer brights, teamed with core neutrals of black, gray, beige and white for a more highly organized, sophisticated feel.

A dose of ethnic and tribal prints in colour combinations of blues, burnt oranges, mustard yellows, browns and black. You'll see tribal prints in square-cut silhouettes along with sharp minimalism using tribal tailoring.

Contradicting these tailored trends, we have seen the use of sheer chiffon in long flowing goddess skirts and full length dresses which we expect will still be around through Summer 2012. Try pairing these softer fabrics in natural tones with splashes of strong colours.

Carolina Herrera SS12                                              Mulberry SS12

Paul Smith SS12                                                     Paul Smith SS12

Mulberry SS12                                                        Honor SS12

By Tracey Reed; NZFD

Dark and moody, or have we moved on? Two experts examine our New Zealand fashion identity.

Contemporary New Zealand fashion was once defined by the "dark and intellectual" label given to us by the international press in 1999, after the "New Zealand Four" presented their clothes at London Fashion Week. It was a term eventually so overused it began to mean nothing; a description that the industry both embraced and resented. Dark and intellectual? What a cliché. We're all unique. Yet despite protests that one size, or label, didn't fit all - designers like World and Karen Walker use heaps of colour, people would argue, and where's the intellectualism in a pretty floral dress from Trelise Cooper? - underneath it all there still lies a darker mood, whether it be Karen Walker's angsty outsider tendencies, Kate Sylvester's smarty-pants muse, or Nom*D's long-lasting penchant for black.

But then, five or so years ago, a new wave of young designers entered the industry and began to slowly change the way we perceive the New Zealand look. So where does our industry stand in 2011: what is the New Zealand look now? Some would be hard-pressed to find the darkness in some of the young labels who now form the strength and future of the local industry - think of Juliette Hogan's floaty pleated skirts, Stolen Girlfriends Club's cheeky irreverence or Ruby's girlish, youthful spirit. But look deeper and you'll see that even today there is an underlying moodiness. Those dark and intellectual ideas are there, hidden within the quirks - the angst-trimmed nostalgia of Twenty-seven Names, Lonely Hearts' love affair with the outsider, Salasai's unassuming androgyny.

Then there are those where the moodiness and intellectualism is obvious; labels like Cybele, Jimmy D, Maaike and Company of Strangers.

What could define the New Zealand "look" now is modesty, practicality, a stylish take on the casual - and a strong sense of contrast. It is diaphanous silk chiffon teamed with leather; a pair of boots that toughen up a girlish dress - that balance between the masculine and feminine, dark and cute; a pretty awkwardness. But what do some of our experts think? Two doyennes offer their take on New Zealand fashion now.

Doris de Pont

Doris is the curator of the New Zealand Fashion Museum, who has organised a fashion exhibition examining New Zealand's fascination with the colour black.

What is New Zealand style in 2011?
I differentiate between fashion and style. Fashion is what the designers create, while style is what we make of it, how we interpret and wear it. I am loving seeing the fun people are having at the moment creating their own style by mixing up high fashion offerings with opshop, often customised and definitely not worn as was intended back in the day. On the streets the looks can be very individual, which perhaps is the fashion of the moment, a licence to be creative and express your own spirit.

Sum up the New Zealand "look" in five words:
Individual, edgy, easy, modest, black.

New Zealand fashion is traditionally known as being "dark and intellectual" - does that still hold true?
I think the "dark and intellectual" description was earned because of the seriousness with which we approach our design and that has not changed. New Zealand fashion design tends not to be skimpy or overly feminine, rather it is often modest and considered. Even when designers like Trelise Cooper and World are flamboyant and having fun, there remains a self-consciousness and demureness because our fashion expresses our character and that's how we are.

What are some of the key things that have influenced this change in aesthetic?
I believe that the biggest influence on the style of the moment is the recession. When the budget permits there is a tendency to purchase the complete "look" of the moment; when budgets are challenged, those who enjoy fashion rise to that challenge by being inventive.

Why are we so fascinated with the colour black?
This is an interesting question and surprisingly one that hasn't really been asked by our historians to date. It is, however one, that I have been thinking about intensively for the last year as part of the research for the upcoming exhibition I am curating for the New Zealand Fashion Museum called Black in Fashion. There are no simple answers but by showing how, who, where and when black clothing has been worn every day in NZ for sport, in our films, by our musicians, in our fashions, this exhibition will shed some light on the question.

What is your favourite New Zealand city, in terms of style?
I love that our cities have each evolved a distinctive style because it shows New Zealanders are not a homogeneous, undistinguished mass. Each city and its people not only respond to the physical climate but also to their unique social and cultural environment and give expression to that local personality in how they choose to dress. I am an Aucklander born and bred and this is my favourite city. I really value the diversity of dressing that you see here with the influences new migrants have brought from the Pacific, and more recently from Asia. I think being open to other cultures is enriching and can lead to new, unexpected outcomes in fashion and other design.

Which New Zealand fashion institution, "icon" or heritage brand would you revive?
As a fashion designer I always wanted to design for Canterbury. For me it is the brand that epitomises the essence of New Zealandness, a sort of relaxed weekend dress culture available everyday. Contemporary labels like Twenty-seven Names have captured and modernised that essential "relaxed but urban" vibe. I believe New Zealand has shown the way in establishing the pre-eminence of the dress style described, in common parlance, as "smart casual" - that combination of easy stylishness without sacrifice of comfort.

Is there a person who represents or symbolises New Zealand style?
Karen Walker has always said she sees herself as an international designer. While she has achieved that goal, in my view her collections are firmly grounded in her understanding of her heritage. It is her ability to expand, refine and reinterpret that in a modern way that makes her work authentic and successful.

What are some iconic pieces that represent New Zealand style?
How can you go past the black singlet? Unpretentious, practical, stylish, funny, timeless, androgynous, easy, versatile - if you were asked to describe a New Zealander, the black singlet could say it all.

* Black in Fashion, September 9 - October 24, cnr Gore and Galway Sts, Britomart Precinct, Auckland.

Margi Robertson

Margi is the designer of New Zealand label Nom*D, and based in Dunedin.

Sum up New Zealand's "look", in five words.
Modern, urban, laid-back, quality conscious, wearable.

What is New Zealand style in 2011?
Having been in retail since 1975, it has been interesting to see the progression of what was quite a conservative approach to fashion in the 1970s, through to the denim age of the 1980s, the introduction of minimalism of the 1990s, and pretty much anything goes now. There is a element of individualism and a freedom to create which equals or surpasses any upmarket designer in the world. New Zealand has a group of designers who don't just copy what is happening in the Northern Hemisphere, they are original and creative, and the public, who are discerning, enthusiastically support them.

New Zealand fashion has traditionally been known as "dark and intellectual" - do you think that is accurate? Where did it come from?
When I think about it, we were given this tag back in 1999 when the New Zealand Four showed at London Fashion Week. To be honest it was possibly picked up by comparing us to the Antwerp Six out of Belgium, who were dark and intellectual - however the only darkness really was coming from Zambesi and ourselves. World and Karen Walker, although intellectual in their designs, would not be considered "dark".

Does that still hold true? What is our national style now?
Not really. There is no national style, we are like any other country in the fashion world; either a brand does have a leaning towards "dark" or not. Each label usually establishes the "feel" early in their careers and to keep the signature of the brand it is important to keep that style.

What do you think has influenced the evolution of our national aesthetic?
New Zealand Fashion Week has been an amazing platform on which to display the aesthetic and atmosphere of your collection, it has pushed ourselves and many other designers to think outside of making clothes and selling them - it brings collaborators into the picture, like stylists, photographers, production companies. It's great to work with those types of people, all working towards the same goal. International brands, over the past 10 years especially, have become increasingly part of the retail world, with the availability of online shopping. The world is a global market. It's important that we give customers who do like to shop personally a great retail experience.

Why do you think we are still so fascinated with the colour black?
It's so easy to wear, takes you anywhere, can be as casual or formal as you wish and fits any occasion. It's also the most flattering to the figure. It can represent various sub-cultures - like Gothic - or indicate formality and respect, at black tie events or funerals.

Your favourite New Zealand city, in terms of style?
Dunedin of course! Because I live here, we have a successful fashion store here, with a very loyal fan club. For a city of this size we sell some amazing avant-garde designs. I love the fact that it is not over-populated, so the lifestyle is laid-back, there are great restaurants, art galleries and the nature is very close and amazing.

Which New Zealand fashion institution, "icon" or heritage brand would you revive?
In my teens I used to really like buying Peppertree or Hullabaloo garments - I suppose they were pretty much mass-produced for the times, but the Estacel crepe fabrics and "Biba" type influences impressed me. Many brands at that time were European but made under licence. I'm not sure how those brands would stand up today, but they were New Zealand brands.

By Zoe Walker: New Zealand Herald