KEY POINTS:
Kirrily Johnston is an Australian designer - the first ever to show on the New Zealand Fashion Week runway - but you couldn't tell during her show this morning.
The Sydney based designer will easily slot in this week among our most prolific designers, who have perfected the typical New Zealand "dark and intellectual" aesthetic (in fact the range reminded me a little of one of our best up and coming designers, Cybèle).
When I spoke to Johnston a few weeks before the show, she even acknowledged that her designs fit in well with the New Zealand "look", saying that she's often asked if the label is from New Zealand.
This new range, called Black Perfume, reflects the intellectual vibe, drawing inspiration from travel, opium dens from the 1900s, poets - and even soul singer Erykah Badu.
A strictly black, cream and gold palette was given a boost with injections of burnt orange.
Loose flowing dresses had beautiful drape detailing with knots, raw edged sheer tiers and hood detailing; all contrasted with tight leather pants, drop crotch pants, and tailored dresses made from vests.
It was all very decadent and sensual, and all would be totally at home on Johnston's muse, Badu.
My favourite pieces? The heavy boucle wool shift dress with a ruffled neck that looked more 60s mod than tribal queen (but still damn cute), and the eco-friendly handmade patchwork fabric, sourced from Salvation Army stores.
