A few years back, when Juliette Hogan emerged as Fashion Week's favourite child, Chelsea Thorpe also showed. Her promising collection was followed by some big name shows, so there went any headlines.
Thorpe dipped under the radar for a few years, but is back as Neverblack, still Gisborne-based, still assured, but possibly more risk averse.
Her comeback show's strongest statement came in fleece skirts and also menswear, including nude bomber jackets and black leather Air Force jackets with fleece collars, black velvet blazers and an anorak in a brown plaid oilskin. Ribbed knits in cream and black also stood out.
Some of these looks were repeated for women, alongside georgette layering pieces in black and powder blue and satin tunic tops with chiffon sleeves and screen printed floral designs.
Neverblack isn't going to grab the headlines this time round either, but it makes confident and coherent clothing that will find a market.
