New Zealand fashion and lifestyle blog

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Rhiana Clarke on location at New York Fashion Week 2016 at Karen Walker

New York Fashion Week Fall Winter ’16 is all go, and Wellington-based blogger Rhiana Clarke is ‏on location at NYFW at the FW16 Karen Walker runway show ‘Magnetic’ at Pier 59 for Thread.co.nz…

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Below: our invite to Karen Walker ‘Magnetic’ Fall Winter 2016 at Pier 59.

Our invite to Karen Walker 'Magnetic' Fall Winter 2016 at Pier 59

Here’s Rhiana Clarke’s review of Karen Walker Fall 2016…

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No nonsense, utilitarian chic, with an air of androgyny. Today, Karen Walker showed her Fall/Winter 16 collection at Pier 59, marking her 20th year at New York Fashion Week.

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‘Magnetic’ was a show filled with juxtaposition between structure and fine fabrics – think glossed cotton Constructivist dungarees paired with lace and silk. It was practical yet bright and colourful to add some shine to your wardrobe.

Inspired by Berenice Abbott’s personal style, the collection was a mix of no fuss utility with a good amount of joie de vivre.

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Notable guests in attendance were ultra hip fashion blogger twins, Jess and Stef from How Two Live; Ilona Smithkin, star of Advanced Style and famed artist and performer; and YouTuber Ingrid Nielson.  IIona was a crowd favourite, as she stopped for many a selfie and never once looked bothered or tired – amazing for a babe in her 90’s.

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Hair by Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble was simple, yet girlish, with long straight locks with an occasional plait pinned to the side. Make up again was simple – smudgy kohl eyes and nude tones for the lips – by Benjamin Puckey for KIKO MILANO.

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Magnetic is full of indigo and tobacco shades – beautifully contrasting with the sharp Electromagnetic geometric print she has come to favour in recent collections. The theme revolves around purples, browns and blues, with a hearty array of red and tartans thrown into the mix.

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The ever-present signature ruffle appeared again this season, this year appearing on hems of long, loose dresses. The silhouette this season was long and structured, with a sharp belt at the waist to define the shape of the body.

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Below: Rhiana Clarke with blogger twins, HowTwoLive.

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Flatforms and Chelsea boots were the signature footwear of choice, adding strength and flair to the aesthetic. Attendees were also a fan of these, essentially everyone there had some form of Chelsea boots or sandals on.

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My personal favourite was The Berenice Dress in black silk – so classic with a hint of flair with that slit up the front.

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KW Eyewear is always a crowd favourite and this year the sleek black frames on display polished off the industrial yet classic looks styled by Kathryn Neale at Tim Howard for KW.

The collection sends a strong message of strength. To borrow from the boys and carve your own path of style and experience.

Live like Berenice.

Note: ‘Magnetic’ will be available in the Southern Hemisphere for Spring/Summer 16 from August 2016. As it’s been shown as a Fall collection today, some of the heavier pieces might not be in a New Zealand Spring collection. This means the label can show the range as both Fall and Spring, in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

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Below: Ilona Smithkin, star of Advanced Style, leaves the show.

Ilona Smithkin, star of Advanced Style

By Rhiana Clarke ‏@rhianakasey Kasey & Co blog
16th February 2016