The barrier between backstage and show was removed at Zambesi; makeup and hair crews were exposed to view and the audience was included in backstage…
Zambesi AW14 at NZ Fashion Week 2013
It was a packed house at NZ Fashion Week on Tuesday night, as the fashion elite jostled for seats to see what New Zealand’s enduring fashion house, Zambesi, had to offer this time round.
With booming music at a volume that would do ACDC proud, the entrance to the catwalk slid open and didn’t stop. The barrier between backstage and show was removed and everything was put on display. In the best rendition of a Ramsay kitchen, the models were exposed as they changed between outfits and had make-up touch ups from M.A.C Artists and hair by Stephen Marr Stylists.
It was as if the family affair that is Zambesi was inviting the audience to not just be spectators but to take part wholly in the show experience and become involuntarily involved in the entire process. They removed the ‘us and them’ aspect of high fashion and made it ‘we’.
The collection itself began with Zambesi black in tailored pant suits for both male and female. These were a theme throughout and gave a nod to androgyny, a trend seen recently throughout international ranges.
Alongside the tailored suits came beautifully draped, deconstructed and asymmetrical dresses, in sheer and silk fabrics. A stark contrast to the perfectly fitted suits.
Colours ranged from dark forest green, in a leather bomber jacket for men and a leather biker jacket for women, to powder blue-grey in a full suit including trench coat for the guys. That particular outfit had a very American Psycho feel to it as the model sported jet black sunglasses.
Male model Charlie M, aged 16, was walking for the first time at fashion week after being noticed at the Marr Factory last week. Thread sat next to his mother Lester, an American, who is a former model herself and completely stunning.
Below: A shot of cerise pink came through for women, seen in a full high-waisted floral print skirt and leopard print top.
The main print for the evening was an asymmetrical leaf in grey and black, made into a manner of garments for both male and female; a refreshing change after the block tones seen before.
The plastic fantastic fabric made an appearance here, which has also been seen in other collections throughout the day. It seems not just rain coats are set to be waterproof next winter but also skirts, tops and t-shirts.
Heavy knits and classic trenches were seen throughout, over suits and skirts and leather shorts, and in true Zambesi style, were oversized yet somehow perfectly fitted.
In a year which many labels have folded, it is refreshing to see such a great turnout and enthusiasm for a brand which has successfully dominated the industry since 1979.
Olivia Boswell and Megan Robinson
3 September 2013
Photos Kevin Robinson
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