Expert Eye: Ruby 2010

A model wears a creation by Ruby on day two of New Zealand Fashion Week 2010. Photo / Getty Images

The coral cigarette pants screamed gimme, and Ruby's show contained plenty of other cute with a quirk pieces.

It's surprising that this youthful local label hasn't shown at Fashion Week before, but on this outing they'll be back.

A good crowd turned up at the Lily & Louis showroom in Newton for a 9am start, though parking and hail made it a challenge.

The odd off-site show does break-up the day mainly spent in the Halsey St tent world and it gives designers a chance to more easily create their own atmosphere.

For Ruby that was sheepskin draped over seating platforms to put the audience firmly in outdoors mode for The Adventurers collection.

It was assured without being try hard, with the pretty makeup and soft hair we've been seeing in many shows.

Deanna Didovich showed melton wool coats, a super shiny vinyl mac and some bobbly knits for snuggling days, with short full skirts and a few floaty long ones.

Ruby showed good use of colour, with minimal black pieces shown. Chenille knit, suede ankle strap shoes with a gold heel and georgette pants caught in a frill at the bottom were fun.

This label is a good alternative for girls who want to wear original New Zealand designs, rather than chain store clothing.

Add a few more inches on the hemlines and the market will grow too