Federation returns to fashion week with AW17 collection, Birds Versus Bees

On Wednesday August 24th at 8pm, iconic NZ streetwear label Federation took to the New Zealand Fashion Week runway for the first time in seven years, with their AW17 collection, Birds Versus Bees. It was a fashion-meets-street collection with loads of energy and a strong local Kiwi vibe from this label that knows its market so well and what they really want to wear. Our Editor’s picks were the delicious faux furry jackets, the dusky pink pleats, the leafy floral print, and the signature F and dashes print that was featured in an opening video sequence with Jenny Joblin painting it on a white wall.

Olivia McPherson talks to designer Jenny Joblin about the journey back to fashion week…

The last time Federation appeared at NZFW was 2009, having staged five shows there since the birth of the label in 2000.

The winter ’17 range, Birds Versus Bees, emerged from the depths of founder/director Jenny Joblin’s creative daydreams and edgy illustrations, and promises to deliver Federation’s strong street ethos juxtaposed with beautiful detailing and quality construction.

“When fashion week approached us about doing a show, we were like; ‘That was not in the plan this year, but let’s do it!’ Our range would have been ready a little later otherwise, so there was a bit of pressure getting it through in time,” says Jenny.

However in the end it was an easy decision to make says Jenny, who has seen Federation grow and expand over the same period of time as NZFW itself.

“I feel this synergy with NZFW as it started the same year we did. I am really looking forward to the full expression of Federation in runway form again. And how we have grown and developed this year, it’s a chance to showcase what we look like now.”

Visit them at www.federation.co.nz and on Instagram at @federation_clothing
By Olivia McPherson