Majestic Millinery

Stephen Jones showed a retrospective of just a few of his memorable millinery creations from different points in his career, at the Dunedin Railway Station catwalk show at iD Fashion Week 2013…

Majestic millinery and dancing ballerinas dazzled on stage and once again spectators were wowed, at the 2013 iD Fashion Show at Dunedin Railway Station last night.

Attendees were treated to fashion from NOM*d, Tamsin Cooper, Charmaine Reveley, Moodie Tuesday, Jane Sutherland, UNDONE, DADA Vintage, Rakel Blom, Olivia Bloxham, Samuel Ralph, Samantha O’Reilly, Tansy Morris, Company of Strangers, Yvonne Bennetti, Carlson, DEVa’L, MisteR, Mild Red and international guest, British milliner Stephen Jones.

Stephen Jones gave us a mesmerising insight into his world of headwear, with incredible variety across his work which included the use of feathers, metals, flowers, and jewels, in a riot of texture, height and much colour. I have never witnessed such diverse headwear and now realise why he is so popular with royals and pop stars flocking to wear his hats. Read more from his public lecture at Dunedin Museum on Thread.

This year ten very beautiful models flew out from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and modelled in the show. They are studying a four year bachelor of fashion performance and planning degree. This bought a point of difference into this year’s show as models are normally sourced locally.

Below: Shanghai models walk in Kathleen Choo garments.

A usual favourite of mine, Charmaine Reveley, showed her Winter 2013 range, "Battle Lines Drawn". Delicate fabric coupled with sequins and eye-popping emerald, yellows and blues (below) were amongst some of the looks that stood out.

Winner of the iD Emerging Designer Award, Rakel Blom, gained more exposure with her collection "The World Through My Eyes". Rakel studied Fashion Design at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin and is currently based in London. I was left staring at the vibrancy of colour, immense detail and use of texture in her collection. The wool hats and tassels gave height and volume. I could see a Harajuku girl wearing her collection proudly on the streets of Tokyo.

UNDONE had their first appearance at iD this year. Rachel Webb and Elise Barnes of UNDONE provided us with a look at their BESPOKE collection which is a contradiction of their opposing styles; romantic and badass. Think good girl meets biker boy. Keep an eye out for these rising stars (below).

Tamsin Cooper for Royal New Zealand Ballet provided the viewer with a contrast of dancers and models. Coats and accessories were designed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Beautiful coloured silk coats sashayed down the long cat walk ushered in by a violin and a dainty white swan and a darker edgier black swan.

Guest designer Yvonne Bennetti showcased stunning evening and bridalwear. The blue and green of her Wild Orchid Jumpsuit took my fancy and I couldn’t take my eyes off it.

Well done iD Committee for another great iD Fashion Week. Dunedin was twinkling, glassing were clinking, and hats were worn with fun, pride and confidence.

Below: Jane Sutherland.