Ten Designers to Watch at New Zealand Fashion Week 2013

Last year's Fashion Week saw a huge range of tough, feminine, floaty and flax-woven outfits. This year we can expect the same. With a few more Aussie's in the mix this year, a trans-Tasman showdown is on the cards. I'm still picking the New Zealand designers to come out on top, though Aussie Charlie Brown's show last year is still being talked about (as are those gold goodie-bags).

This year's New Zealand Fashion Week takes place again at the Viaduct Events Centre over the week of September 2 - 8 2013, and will no doubt exhaust Auckland's fashionistas with the plethora of after parties, off site shows and excess loads of goodie bags to lug around. It's always tough and so is choosing just ten awesome designers to watch, but here goes.

1. Adrienne Whitewood

I was there when Adrienne won the Cult Couture Supreme Award at the Southside Arts Festival held at the Manukau Telstra Events Centre last year. She was without a doubt the most deserved winner on the night. Currently based in Rotorua with her work/showroom at RAVE (Rotorua Arts Village), she graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Design in 2009, and established her label Adrienne Whitewood in 2010. She has shown at NZ Fashion week before, and she is my number one designer to watch this year.

2. Andrea Moore

Last year Andrea Moore's show was one of the stand outs, and arguably the most anticipated show of the year. This year I'm expecting big things from the designer, as I hear through the fashion-grapevine that she might be putting on a very special show. I look forward to new designs, bold prints and some amazing pant suits. Bring it on.

3. D'monic Intent

What can you say about  D'monic Intent? This talented team of Kiwi designers are still on the up and up. Their F*** THE MASSES t-shirts are a cult-classic, and I really can't wait to see their energy and fun at Fashion Week. Their eye for detail and the way they can dress a woman to look tough as hell, yet sexy at the same time is amazing. Find them on Facebook or Twitter to follow them before Fashion Week and find out what they are up to.

3. Gorman

I admit when I first saw Gorman on the list I was like, what? Is that right? Launched in 1999, the Aussie label began with a bang with it's first collection titled 'less than 12 degrees'. The instant success of that first offering was the beginning of something special, and in the years that have followed the Gorman label has become an iconic part of the Australian fashion landscape. It makes sense then that this hugely successful Aussie brand would be following in the footsteps of Charlie Brown and the like and showing at New Zealand Fashion Week 2013.

4. Hailwood

Everyone know's I'm a huge fan of Adrian Hailwood. I interviewed him last year backstage just before his show, he was so relaxed, talking about swimming in his pool and laughing - actually laughing. It was so refreshing to see, and made me really appreciate his soft, feminine pieces even more. You can see his personality in the clothes - well put together, but relaxed. That's his label. I can't wait to see what patterns, motifs and prints come down the runway this year at his show.

5. John Zimmerman

As of Easter, I officially became a fiance - which means my excitement levels for seeing the John Zimmerman gowns shimmy down the runway are through the Viaduct Event Centre's roof. Whether you are engaged, married, single, divorced or have simply given up hope - whatever, you must see his designs this year.

6. My Boyfriend’s Back

With the coolest name at Fashion Week this year, My Boyfriend’s Back are also on my watch list. First of all, let's talk about the elephant in the room. This brand is affordable. A concept not understood by many labels these days and when it is on sale, well it's a bargain. This label to me is very much a Kiwi label, and I look forward to seeing the direction it goes in. On a side note, I'm a big big fan of the Melody Dress in The Kid Has Heart collection. Just gorg.

7. Salasai

Salasai lat year were a surprise stand out for me, so I am rather pumped to see them again this year. The zig-zag prints, the cowboy hats - those glossy red lips. I am still dreaming about the lips on those models. They did a great job last year of mixing natural New Zealand elements while still having a classy show - I really can't stress my impressed-level-ness on this one.

8. Trelise Cooper

Who can talk about an New Zealand Fashion show without talking about Trelise? The queen of NZ fashion put on one heck of a show last year. With invitations and bags that twinkled with lights and a raft of GaGa-esque models strutting down the runway, it literally has the fashion-pack drooling. This year I'm expecting a sleek-looking show to reflect the sleek new Trelise.

9. Working Style

We have to throw a male brand in here, because Fashion Week isn't just for the ladies. Working Style are another Kiwi hit, and it's easy to see why. They are cool without being hipster, their designs are easy on the eye and look great on all ages, and they make quality garments and shoes. Win win and win.

10. Zambesi

Another 'can't leave off the list' like Trelise. Zambesi are a Kiwi powerhouse. Last year bloggers and the fashion media were so over-excited for the show I wasn't sure if I was at a One Direction show or what. This year will be no different. Expect black, black and a little more black with some scary looking models and lots of applause.