Thursday 29th August at Auckland Central City Library
Zambesi took over Auckland’s Central City Library last week with an invite-only show of epic proportions.
Models descended the three floors of escalators showcasing Zambesi’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection, with guests able to view from each level.
The Zambesi A/W 2020 collection, titled ‘Nineteen Seventy Nine’ includes a strong colour palette of navy and black with accents of lilac, verdi and textured Prince of Wales lurex suiting. There are familiar Zambesi staples including the ‘Tuxedo’ jacket and ‘Cigarette’ trousers in the womenswear.
Unexpected sculptural pieces include the ‘Escape’ puffer and the beautiful ‘Event’ gown. The menswear features two and three buttoned suiting, bomber jackets and hoodies. Coats and Jackets have a utilitarian feel with custom leather patches placed on the back. Unisex knitwear makes a statement in Argyle diamonds from a brushed Alpaca blend. Interior linings are contrasted in both men’s and womenswear using a silk-mix ‘Lumiere’ transparent fabric, which can be worn reversed. All outfits were paired with RM Williams boots.
A family affair, Marissa Findlay was the creative director and producer of the show, while Sophie Findlay directed and mixed the show music. On the show atmosphere, Marissa commented that she wanted to create an element of ‘people watching’ juxtaposed with the idea of ‘femme-bot’ sci-fi librarians from the planet ‘Z’ taking over the library.
On the music, Sophie explained that “it was a commentary of sorts on the complexity of humanity and human emotion – the layers that exist within us all and how dark and raw we can be underneath our facades.”
Tracks were included from American indie pop band ‘Purple Genius’, Thom Yoke’s new album ‘I Am a Very Rude Person’ and an incredible cover of Split Ends song ‘I Hope I Never’ by New Zealand musician Annie Crummer.
Zambesi co-founder Elisabeth Findlay commented that: “the Winter Show at the Auckland Central City Library was a beautiful spectacle made up of so many different elements. The location, the projection on the St. James, the soundtrack, the casting, the styling, the extraordinary hair and make-up and the production – everything came together to deliver a powerful and unique experience.”
Makeup – M.A.C. led by Senior Artist Kie Kie Stanners
The look: A brigade of Zambesi sci-fi beauties. Slightly bonkers librarians, that have taken their signature 60’s beauty to an otherworldly place.
Hair – L’Oréal Professionnel led by Creative Director Michael Beel
The look: “We wanted to create an iconic hair look but make it look a little alien. Slightly quirky but still with an essence of classic beauty. The concept for this look was Bookish Bouffant Aliens” – Michael Beel.
Models had their hair blow-dried using Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryers.
With special thanks to:
The Auckland Central City Library team, OLA ride share, 1907 water, Peroni, Redbull, Makers Anonymous, Espresso Workshop, Scapegrace gin, Auckland City Council, Showroom 22, Non Solo Pizza.
Thursday 29th August 2019