Day 2 at MBFWA 2014

Make-up added another amazing dimension; models had Swarovski crystals on their faces that created a futuristic and elegant look. Hair was pulled up off the face with a hair piece that went straight down the back in vibrant colours. The hair colours along with the makeup definitely added the vibrancy and glamour to outfits that were more classic in style.

The majority of the collection consisted of fitted dresses that showed off the curves of the female body. The fabrics were amazing: in shiny metallics, feathered ruffles, or beaded with Swarovski crystals. Dresses had cut out pieces that emphasied the waist creating a feminine silhoutte.

Some of my favourites were the white fitted halterneck dress with a couture ring that added an edge to the classic design, and a vibrant orange and hot pink feathered dress with crystals in between the feathers that reflected light. Another one of my favourites was the body-hugging metallic textured long dress.

The overall collection ranged from delicate to decadently noir, interpreting a contemporary Parisienne silhouette of the 1920s/30s.

Alex Perry

Alex Perry’s S/S collection 2014 ‘Varsity’ was next. The first impression was “wow”. The runway was golden and reflected gold shine everywhere. Playing in the background was a live DJ and the atmosphere was very exclusive.

The show started with a body-hugging dress that had beautiful textures against each together. Flared disco skirts and dresses showed off with see-through panels. It was a girly, feminine look overall.

My favourite was the black, blue and white lace sparkly dress; it was young and fresh, yet elegant. Many of the dresses had zips that ran all the way down at the back but left slightly open, to create a slit. There was one particular dress that brought many of the colours together. It was a bright orange long fitted lace dress with blue and yellow panels. The colours complemented each other and created a very unique look.

Make-up was created by Napoleon Perdis inspired by sports luxe with an edge, for a youthful vitality, using a varsity-inspired palette.

Whether it was the bouncy fun girly dress or the elegant long body hugging dress, Alex Perry put together a very beautiful and energetic show.

Strateas. Carlucci

Clean white layered pieces were the first to walk down the runway for Strateas. Carlucci. The models had a fresh and natural look that complemented the structure of the outfits.

Some of my favourites included a brown leather jacket with khaki asymmetrical skirt, and a long, light textured wool dress in grey that was feminine and very chic. The clean cut showed the female figure beautifully.

The Strateas. Carlucci male models showed off leather jackets and coats that were structured with a large zip detail at the back. My pick would be the blue leather jacket with oversized knitwear underneath.

The overall collection was predominently black, polished and wearable.

Bec and Bridge

‘Due North’

The collection embraced bohemian style in a way that was very wearable and commercial. There were just so many outifts that looked effortlessly chic.

Sarong-style skirts and dresses wrapped around the body with spaghetti string criss-cross backs. There were many checks and stripes, and the use of various shades of indigo and delicate lilac alongside clean white and black dresses.

The variety of fabrics such as textured linen and hand dyed silks, well-worn leather, and the lightest of denims, all worked naturally beautiful together.

Below: NZ model Ella walked at the Bec and Bridge show at Carriageworks.

Gail Sorronda

Gail Sorronda held her show at a small theatre room. The show started off with ballet dancers elegantly dancing in the darkly-lit theatre. The room was glistening almost like fairy dust was falling on the dancers.

The collection was inspired by Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. Every piece was fantastical and romantic, with much volume in the designs.

My favourite pieces included the black dress with a cape that had a plunging neckline with a bow that tied at the front, and a voluminous bell sleeved white top paired with aqua-coloured shorts which layered on top of white shorts, creating depth and dimension to the outfit. The headpiece finished off the look.

Gail Sorronda is well-known to play with dark romanticism and this collection was beautifully-crafted in a way that interpreted the well-known Disney story as high fashion.

Below: ballet dancers at Gail Sorronda.

Below: Gail Sorronda’s SS14/15 show at Carriageworks also featured a familiar face for the fashion team from New Zealand; the NZ model Eden Bristowe of 62 Models.

N.L.P.

The NLP swimwear show featured dancers that showcased the swimwear through powerful dance movements. One dancer was even bodypainted bright blue, and other dancers had pink or orange facepainting.

Karla Spetic

Karla Spetic’s show was held in a recreation centre around the swimming pool. Some of my favourite pieces were the high necked cropped top with flared mini skirt that looked playful. Collars and high necked tops balanced with cropped tops featured strongly in the collection. There were dresses that had cut-out windows and panels with various fabrics. The overall collection was unique and collaborative.

Below: EORA Fitness was the aquatic venue for the Karla Spetic show at MB Fashion Week.

Photographer Sam Lee and Writer Dana Lee

Monday 7th April 2014