There are many of us who simply tolerate summer fashion. Summer is just the season that bookends the sumptuous winter, with all its layering, texture and depth. We take a close-up look at Zambesi Winter 2011 and take our picks for the season…
A look at Zambesi Winter 2011
There are many of us who simply tolerate summer fashion.
Summer is just the season that bookends the sumptuous winter, with all its layering, texture and depth. Not for some the delicate, barely there dresses and sandals – for many, the happy beginnings of winter is the first day that boots can be worn with tights or leggings underneath. Some of us would wear boots all summer if we could. It is a cruel thing that the first drops for winter have already begun at Zambesi, at a time when we are suffering through our hottest summer on record. Luckily, there is much to the Zambesi layering, and trans-seasonal pieces are there for the picking.
These are my picks for winter this year – of which I am sure there will be much debate – but for those that love Zambesi, there is something for everyone. And for those that have yet to love Zambesi – there is also something for you!
Coats
Just too many to choose from, and in the end I have featured at least four. And because I can’t choose between them, I have featured the same coat in two colour ways. The Bedrock coat in both cream and donkey is just gorgeous.
The cream is just a perfect foil for those of us that have a continuing love affair with black. It retails for $905 – it is due instore soon. The Etching Coat ($905) in Fretwork is a lighter coat in this season’s lace fabric. Interesting that Zambesi have really never seen this fabric as a trend, but have used it throughout their 26 year history. This coat is already instore and I have it good authority that it is nearly sold out in Auckland already. It has a wonderful collar detail.
Surprisingly, for Zambesi anyway, not all the coats I have chosen are black. Two of the coats are in navy, one in felted wool, and the other in wool twill. They are Dawdle ($670) with the short sleeves (it strikes me that winter in Auckland never really gets that cold), and Diploma ($880) that can be worn as a cape as well. Both of these are instore now or arriving very soon.
Stripes and texture
With a more sportswear edge, the next two pieces have a more dressed down appeal to them. The striped shorts worn over leggings or trousers are called Leapfrog and retail for $305.
The Expulsion cardigan is one of several knitted pieces done in various stripes – beige and grey with black, as well as black and white. Expulsion retails for $855. The simple Cartwheel tulle legging comes in cream and black and can be worn on its own but was styled in the W2011 Fashion Week Show sometimes with two pairs on, cream under black or doubled black on black. They retail at $245.
Black and White
My favourite two pieces continue the black and white theme. The Recess silk top/dress is worn over leggings/trousers and can be worn either loose or belted on the hip. Some of the more classic belts have been re-released in white. I will be pulling out the original ones and reusing them. Recess retails for $435 and should be in store soon. The Bandleader (not shown) is a silk half dress – simply the front of the dress with white cord sewn horizontally across the front. It retails for $375 and I know there are a lot of pre-orders for this. It is a quintessential Zambesi piece.
Animal
There is generally an animal print showing at Zambesi and this year is no different. It just so happens animal prints are strong again this season. I image Zambesi would have done them anyway regardless. Their version is a loose take on it with a fabric called Kitten. There are two dresses called Bookmark ($785), which is the longer version with a slightly bell-shaped skirt. The shorter version is called Bookworm ($740).
Accessories
The shoo boot designed in collaboration between Liz Finlay and Julia Thompson (who works in the Newmarket store in Auckland) and is a winter must-have. It has a vintage, masculine feel to it and is sure to be a comfortable winter favourite.
LD Tuttle (based in LA but the shoes are made in Italy) have produced the Stream boot with a wedge heel. It is a gorgeous boot, perfect for those of us who want a bit of height, but can’t do towering heels. I love the gorgeous wrapping detail of the leather around the foot. The Stream boot is already in store, and the Shoo Boot is due in soon.
By Anya Brighouse, 20 February 2011.
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