There's wasn't a lot of menswear at New Zealand Fashion Week this year, but for what was there it was black, black...and more black. A favourite national fashion colour, there was no shortage of it in the shows last week.
NOM*d kicked off the week with a show featuring seven drummers lined along the runway wearing black balaclavas. The handing out of earplugs on arrival was a foreboding of the decibels to come. The only male model in the show cut a noticeable swath on the runway with ears painted black, a khaki long hoodie jacket, and black skinny jeans. A dark colour palette collection set the tone for the rest of the week.
Over at the Underground show-cum-exhibition, Blue Blank by Clara Chon's edgy Mad Max-inspired leather harnesses had an aura of tough surfer boy chic; Jason Lingard channelled a dark goth; Jimmy D by James Dobson featured oversized black silhouettes while THPRKS' marble print fabrics were accessorised by very au courant black Birkenstock Arizonas.
Leave it to Stolen Girlfriend's Club to nail choreography and drama with their incredible off-site show at Western Springs. As the theme music from Twin Peaks played as guest were seated, we were transported to a very grungy early 90s vision of Pacific Northwest youth with motor cross leggings, plaid coats, mountain-printed sweaters and long hair. With the track as runway, and Mini Cooper headlights and smoke machines providing the prerequisite mood lighting, the scene was a set for a stellar show.
More black at Zambesi, this year celebrating their 35th anniversary with a show entitled XXXV. Starting (fashionably) late to Queens' Flash Gordon, the strong, largely black and electric blue collection cemented Zambesi's position as a major New Zealand fashion force to be reckoned with. A standout piece was a black Nehru-collar peacoat and also the shawls emblazoned with the anniversary XXXV motif. Buzzed hair with long floppy tops channelled early 90s Morrissey.
