N Z F W . D A Y . 2 .

(Ruby Jumper, American Apparel Shirt, Zara Pants, Topshop Heels, See By Chloe Bag)

The second day of NZFW kicked off with one of my favourite shows of the week, Ruby, where we enjoyed some fresh beverages prior to the show. It was the perfect way to start what was going to be an intense day of back to back shows starting with Ruby, Celine Rita, Jimmy D, Lonely Hearts, Trelise Cooper and finishing with Stolen Girlfriends Club in the evening. Oddly enough the highlight of our day wasn't the amazing shows we saw but in fact the amazing news we received a few hours before our flight. Originally we were scheduled to fly out after Jimmy D to go straight to New York but after meeting Len Brown, the mayor of Auckland, he arranged to cover the costs of changing our flights so we could attend the full week of NZFW. I'm not going to tell you how much this was but let's just say it was something I never thought possible! Incredibly kind and incredibly surreal. New Zealand really is a beautiful place and home to some of the nicest people I've ever met. Now off to catch up on all my blog posts!

(Photos via Facehunter, Katherine Is Awesome)

S A L A S A I . N Z F W . 1 2 .

Set in St Matthew Church in downtown Auckland, Salasia's AW 11/12 collection titled "Uncharted Territory" suited this dark and eery setting all too perfectly. High ceilings, stone walls and dim lighting created a mysterious backdrop for Salasai's highly praised show. A little darker than my usual aesthetic, it was refreshing to see how Salasai's designer Kisha Witcher worked what usually would be quite feminine elements - lace, pearls and silk georgette into an androgynous yet highly wearable collection. Teamed with tartan prints, Doc Martens and black leather, this entire collection had an admirable balance between light and dark. A stark change from her previous SS 11/12 collection, we enter a darker world of Salasai. With a slight preppy vibe evident with lace peter pan collars, oversized knit cardigans, button up shirt dresses and uni sex blazers. There was a little bit of everything even for the vintage lover in me. It's one thing to present your collection but it's another to create a certain atmosphere or mood during it, and Salasai executed this beautifully as I left the show feeling haunted and inspired. A wonderful way to finish what was the very first exciting day of NZFW.

H A I L W O O D . N Z F W . 1 2 .

There was definitely an exciting buzz in the air before and long after Hailwood's highly anticipated AW 11/12 show. Everyone I spoke to on the first day of NZFW told me is was a must see event so I was eager to see what all the hype was about. Named after Adrian Hailwood's mother, "Catherine" was a collection as beautiful as it was unique, which didn't disappoint in the slightest. Focusing on simplicity and a sleek "grown up glamor", models were given natural looking hair and clean minimal make up with a striking bold red lip (A look I personally love). Black, white and cream dominated most of the collection with subtle hints of navy and blue floral prints occasionally making appearances in kimono like jackets and tops. Wide brimmed hats, large side splits and black fringing reinforced the Spanish meets Country Western vibe with one dress made completely out of two toned fringing that took over 55 hours to construct by hand. Personal favourites was the "Zora" blue lady print dress which was named after Adrian's friend and long time muse Zara Boyd, and the pom pom poncho seen above. Hailwood will be taking his show to LA on October 18th and If NZFW was anything to go by I'm sure he'll find global success far beyond our sunny shores.

J U L I E T T E . H O G A N . N Z F W . 1 2 .

If anyone asked me what my favourite NZFW shows were I would immediately think of three designers and Juliette Hogan's AW 11/12 "Bitter Sweet Memories" was at the very top of my list. Not being familiar with her beautiful line before I was literally gasping and muttering "Oh my god, I love that" every 10 seconds to the poor people beside me, and I'm sure you can see why. Juliette's collections have been described as "quietly sophisticated clothes that well mannered girls want to wear". Two toned collared shirts, whimsical and soft feminine fabrics paired with chunky autumn knits, vintage inspired grandma cardigans and beautifully tailored suits. Vibrant floral prints in an autumn pallet of maroon, cream and mustard and even a hint of leopard print too, my brain was in overdrive and I left the show proclaiming (and slightly shouting) my love for Juliette to anyone who would listen. No word of a lie. I absolutely loved the whole collection from start to finish and Juliette's use of leather collars, chunky gold chains and messy low ponytails gave this collection a new found edge and in my eyes made it a flawless collection. A modern take on classic feminine pieces creating a timeless yet on trend collection that girls everywhere should be taking inspiration from. New Zealand's darling may have just found her number one Australian fan in me.

S I D E . B R A I D S .

A little hair inspiration from NZFW. Loving the small side braids and side swept hair I saw at Jimmy D, not to mention the detailed and eery eye make up that complimented his dark androgynous show all too perfectly. I think this is one of my favourite photos I took during the week as it's near impossible to shoot crisp photos when the models are walking past you so quickly. Definitely going to be trying this hair style out soon.

N Z F W . D A Y . 1 .

(Vintage Top, Topshop Shirt, Zara Skirt/Jacket/Heels, See By Chloe Bag)

As you can see I'm still going through a pretty big colour blocking phase. Every outfit I've worn to NZFW so far has been full of bright and bold pieces and to be honest I haven't seen a lot of colour around NZFW. Apparently NZ is renowned for wearing black which is bizarre seeing how bubbly, nice and friendly every kiwi I've met so far is! I absolutely love how happy wearing bright colours makes me feel so I couldn't even imagine what they would be like If they were too. These photos were taken by NZ style blogger Marcella of Fashion Distraction and her boyfriend, who are the sweetest pair of kiwi's and remind me of how Luke and I work when we shoot together. Actually, Marcella reminds me a lot of myself. She stayed up late editing these photos before she sent them to me so they were perfect. Nice to know I'm not the only crazy perfectionist out there. Thank you Marcella!

I've backlogged all my NZFW posts so they're coming shortly. There's so much news I need to share with you all NZFW and non-NZFW related. One being some very exciting news with Chictopia and American Apparel, but I'll spill the beans when I'm not already running late to a show.

(Photos by Yvan Rodic, Fashion Distraction)