NZFF, conceptually, is the antithesis of New Zeaalnd Fashion Week, which, despite the excitement and hoopla, is, at heart, a trade fair – a place for designers to preview collections to fashion media and buyers…
They say that it takes three weeks – 21 days – for a new behaviour, be it exercise or healthy eating, to become a habit.
I’d wager that there’s a similar rule for events. Now in its third year, the New Zealand Fashion Festival, a celebration of New Zealand designers and talent, has become an established part of the local calendar for those who have an interest in fashion, beauty, and design.
The NZ Fashion Festival kicked off in 2010 with a single show with garments from 18 designers. Last year, over two and half thousand people attended four nights of shows, as well as make-up and business seminars.
NZFF, conceptually, is the antithesis of New Zealand Fashion Week, which, despite the excitement and hoopla, is, at heart, a trade fair – a place for designers to preview collections to fashion media and buyers.
The Festival, however, provides insight into the current collections of New Zealand’s best designers – including Zambesi, Lonely Hearts, Trelise Cooper – for the general public, and, with tickets priced at an accessible $40-60 per show, offers those interested in fashion a chance to participate in the glamour for one night at least.
It offers value for money for designers too – for $3500, they get exposure to the market – with 10 outfits in a group show, which offers an opportunity to display garments to audiences outside their normal cohort or clientele.
Designers can style their own segment but the skills of New Zealand Fashion Festival Creative Director, fashion legend Karen Inderbitzen-Waller, will be at hand to assist and provide a coherent narrative to the show as a whole.
NZFF is again expanding its scope in 2012. After the success of last year, this year’s punters will be offered 5 nights of shows, as well as daily hair, beauty, and fashion seminars; and with Heart of the City a key sponsor, an array of other fashion-related events and happenings will take place during Fashion Festival week, 24th February- 4 March such as the hugely popular Designer Garage Sale on 3rd and 4th March.
Tickets will be available from 16 January 2012 from iTICKET, and the shows to watch for will be those including New Zealand’s big names of fashion as well as up and comers. I’m looking forward to seeing personal faves Ruby, Ingrid Starnes, and Juliette Hogan.
I relish the chance to revist collections we’ve already seen at Fashion Week in a current context, and adore the styling, hair/make up, and accessories tips one picks up from seeing the designers’ top 10 outfits from the current collection presented, not as couture a la Fashion Week, but as clothing – what we wear.
By Kate Hannah
Additional research by Megan Robinson
Photos from 2011 NZFF by Megan Robinson
14 January 2012
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