Ten Designers to Watch at New Zealand Fashion Week 2012

Picking just ten designers to watch at this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week was always going to be tough, considering the varied shows and styles – not to mention the mixed range of clothes and jewellery showing, but I did my best. Some of these names will have been heard a hundred times before, some not, but they all plan to put on spectacular shows in September and I will be front and centre to witness the magic. OK, so maybe I will be on ROW E, but whatevs, I’ll still be at Fashion Week.

Let’s get this party started. In no particular order, here are my Ten Designers To Watch at the New Zealand Fashion Week 2012.

1. Huffer

Huffer is just cool, there is no two ways about it. Huffer is that girl (or guy) in your life who manages to look like they have put no effort in to their outfit for the day (which they probably haven’t) and yet they look so damn awesome you want to ask them if you can be Facebook friends immediately and can you be like, BFF’s? Forever? Huffer will be rounding out the packed Fashion Week with an amazing Friday night show that is guaranteed to make me question everything about my over-thought immaculate outfit. I can’t wait. Also, party photographer Mark Hunter, aka The Cobra Snake will be there, adding further appeal to what will most likely be one of the most (less) memorable parties of NZFW 2012.

Concrete Playground has one double pass to giveaway to Huffer presents: El Summer, to be held at the exciting new McKenzie development in Takapuna on Friday, September 7 2012. The show will showcase Huffer's new Spring/Summer collection, that will be straight off the catwalk and into stores (including their new store in the McKenzie development).

To go in the draw, simply email [email protected] with the subject: HUFFER. You must be subscribed to Concrete Playground in order to go in the draw.

2. Ruby/Liam

RUBY is beloved for its effortlessly confident, quirky style and sense of fun. The label has matured from its streetwear origins under the direction of Deanna Didovich and is one of New Zealand’s most exciting and fun brands. Combining on-trend colours and patterns with timeless and elegant cuts, Ruby is fast climbing the ladder to be my favourite Kiwi label. Designed by Emily Miller-Sharma, Liam (meaning strong protector) has an edge that compliments its big sister brand RUBY, and provides a tough and unique quality. Liam is intrigued by the creativity and stories behind women and what they choose to wear.

3. Cybèle

Regarded as one of New Zealand’s foremost fashion brands, Cybèle, by designer Cybèle Wiren has been worn by many a celebrity and has been photographed in both Kiwi and international publications. Known for its ability to use graphic and out-there prints that shape to the female silhouette, Cybèle will be one of the highlights for me at this year’s Fashion Week. As a proud owner of the Idol Pants from her Idols Eye Spring/Summer 2011/12 collection, I am eager to see what goodies she has in store for us, and anticipate lots of oohing and aahing at the show.

4. Kagi

Kagi (pronounced car-gee, gee as in Geewhiz) began in 2006 from Kat Gee’s desire to create designer jewellery that was bold and simple, using both real gemstones and real pearls. Kat Gee’s first Kagi collection at this year’s Fashion Week will be spectacular. The show will be a unique collaborative performance with Morag Brownlie’s Birds of Paradise humorous live theatre show.  The Kagi Fashion Week show will see an adapted version on Brownlie’s show, with some of the species modifying to fit the performance, just like in their real world environments. Birds of Paradise is an opulent and flamboyant show and promises to be a standout event during the week.

5. Charlie Brown

Flying the flag for Australia, Charlie Brown is known for her elegant cocktail dresses, evening dresses and bridal wear, and like Kagi will be showing for the first time at New Zealand Fashion Week in 2012. Big-named supermodels (and I mean actual supermodels) like Linda Evangelista and Helena Christiansen have worn the label, as well as Sophie Dahl (Roald Dahl’s gorgeous granddaughter), Jerry Hall, Jodie Kidd, Jade Jagger and Lily Cole. Not a bad list of names to drop.

6. Deryn Schmidt

To me, Deryn Schmidt epitomises young Kiwi fashion. Bold prints, clean designs and confident colours are the labels staples. The new Spring/Summer collection is the labels boldest yet, and you can really see the growth from the designer with her broadened choice of prints. All garments are also proudly 100% NZ made and the superior level of finish, detail, feel and fit is another example of the dedication towards the enduring nature and longevity of the garments. Kiwi Kiwi Kiwi, Oi Oi Oi.

7. DMONIC INTENT

The name of this label totally encapsulates their designs. Dark and mysterious, the edgy jewellery & fashion has a cult-like following, which juxtaposes the loving family unit that create the designs. Maxine Wooldridge, Kristin Leitch, Samara Walker, and Joe Walker started the label in their home garage and have since built a family business to be proud of. The distinctive label will be showing at both the New Generation Show and the Miromoda Showcase, so that means double the fun for Fashion Week guests.

8. Coop

Coop is for open thinkers, trend setters, lovers and hipsters, followers of creative culture and design. Slightly more affordable for the fashion minions than the Trelise Cooper designs, Coop takes a non-traditional approach and is reflective of our times where life is global, open and available. The brand believes the world is in our hands, our art, our blogs and our bands and we can all be part-time superstars. I am getting a part-time superstar badge made up and wearing it Fashion Week.

9. Stolen Girlfriends Club

Always one to put on a fantastic show, Stolen Girlfriends Club will be one to watch this year. I am still drooling over the bright skull patterns from last season, and can’t wait to see what wackiness they come up with for next winter. The rules of Stolen Girlfriends Club are a youthful rebellious spirit, a healthy sense of humour, and the ability to entertain and empower. Founded in 2003 by three friends who had had more experience surfing then designing clothes, the label has now becoming synonymous with top Kiwi fashion. One of the designer’s last names is also Gosling – I am yet to ascertain if he in fact related to THE Ryan Gosling.

10. Weddings

If I didn’t enter any bridal designers into the mix, those who know me would ask if my left hand had fallen off and someone else was actually doing the writing. Enter John Zimmerman, Auckland’s answer to Valentino, with a touch of Christian Dior and Balenciaga. With 10 years’ experience under the tutelage of Patrick Steel (regarded as the master of Auckland couture) the exquisite detailing of John's gowns will be on show for all to see at Fashion Week. Even if you don’t have a hidden Pinterest board with your wedding  practically planned (no, I am not engaged yet, not through lack of trying) you will not want to miss this maestro of the bridal fashion world.

And of course, the likes of the other talented New Zealand designers on show such as Michelle Yvette (above photo), The Crane Brothers, Sera Lilly, and more on show at the New Zealand Wedding's Collection and Seminar.