Company of Strangers AW14

It doesn’t get much more quintessentially fashion than an underground show in a hotel car park, and that’s just what Company of Strangers pulled off…

It doesn’t get much more quintessentially fashion than an underground show in a hotel car park, and that’s just what Company of Strangers pulled off.

In the basement of Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, urban goths and punks walked on the longest catwalk seen thus far, surrounded by just two rows of seats.

The low ceiling and concrete surroundings were the perfect marriage for the dark and sometimes risqué collection.

Below: Guests arriving at the show.

Named Libertine, Company of Strangers AW14 show at NZ Fashion Week 2013 embodied what they called a maverick free spirit, unbound by moral restrictions – and the models showed this through (somewhat traditional) forms of rebellion: nose stud chains linking to pierced ears, heavy chain necklaces, wet look hair, and dark eyes.

Inspired by the nude portraits of Austrian Expressionist Egon Schiele, the collection seduced us, showing skin and underwear through sheer silk dresses and the occasional split up to the bellybutton. The haphazard zigzag print was a reflection of the folds in the artist’s prints.

Touches of leather gave a rock n roll edge and a touch of shine to matte fabrics.

The woman next to me sighed with joy and longing when this leather hat came out.

The black wedges were a colab with shoe brand Chaos & Harmony, and fitted with the range exceptionally well.

Faces were created by Key Makeup Artist Kiekie Stanners using M.A.C with the inspiration: “The Company of Strangers girl is the girl that doesn’t care but has a distinct look. She’s grungy, punky and a little bit haunting.”

The makeup look was created using the key products Black Swan Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner, Antique Gold Reflects Glitter, Pearl Reflects Glitter and Silver Dusk Iridescent Powder. On nails, Leah Light used M.A.C Skin Nail Lacquer with custom blended tips by Leah Light using M.A.C.