I’m reinstating my old column called ‘Editor’s Picks’ that long-time listeners might recall; it’s pretty much what it says on the tin – I cherry pick the doozies from collections that I think you should be buying if you a) have the money and b) like them a lot too. So, here’s my first Editor’s Picks column: What you should buy from Karen Walker AW16. You may have seen the runway photos months ago but it’s landed in stores now.
My hairdresser Kelly Manu from Blaze salon Newmarket actually went along to this show for Thread in New York last September at New York Fashion Week. I was here in Auckland, you know, working, making marmite sandwiches, and raising children, it’s all glam in fashion. Karen Walker AW16 ‘Star City’ is labelled an exploration of folk-meets-utility-meets-glam, inspired by life in the Soviet Union’s now closed secret cosmonaut training base Zvedny Gorodok found north of Moscow aka Star City.
Of course, Karen Walker has a personal affinity with Russia as husband Mikhail Gherman is Russian and their daughter Valentina even shares a name with the famous female Russian Cosmonaut, Valentina Tereshkova, who was the first woman in space in 1963 aged 26.
Even the lookbook model, Clyne models’ Kelvin Konoplyasova, is a Moscowvite, so she’s perfect for this collection theme.
The key print is the star print which recalls flags and propaganda. There’s a disco element too with glam gold lambskin party pieces with metal zips, and detailing such as taping and topstitching. A utility theme comes in with the denim and nylon pieces. The Russian traditional folk theme is seen in romantic embroidery, muslin and washed cotton on peasant silhouettes.
Kalisto Jumpsuit
Vika patched pants and Intercosmos sweatshirt
Aurora Tank Top and gold pants.
Astromir Jacket
Luna dress.
Get the print without spending a lot: Cosmo Socks $35
There’s a range of accessories- tote bags, and costume jewellery – featuring this print too.
Megan Robinson
6th February 2016
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