Seconds of Style #47: Adoring Alice

I am in love with Alice McCall's SS11 collection. I am certain this collection was designed with me in mind. The powdery colours and delicate doily like cut outs mixed with romantic florals pretty much sums up fashion heaven for me. Some favorites below.

Seconds of Style #46: Andrea Moore, The Magic of Midnight

Another 'working' show for me was Andrea Moore's 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'. Having helped in house with the show I still hadn't seen the collection (except for a sneaky peak at the feather dress the day before) until it snaked down the runway yesterday.

You were immediately struck by the colours, rich, regal, bold and signature Moore. Then came the fabrics. I found this collection to be incredibly textural and even from the back you could almost feel the light brush of the feathers and cool slick of the python skin belts. The possum furs that adorned the long necks of model after model were decadent and a new school take on old school glamour.

The stand out pieces for me were the purple wrap dress and everything in velvet.

The collection as a whole was very pulled together. It was tight in a way that only an experienced designer can create. A pleasure to watch and a pleasure to be a part of.

Seconds of Style #45: My Very First Fashion Week

I'm not going to pretend to be all cool and nonchalant about the opening day of NZ fashion Week - not only was it the opening day but it was my first time on the 'inside', and I was deep on the inside, so deep in fact I was backstage for most of the day covered in a stressed out sheen of sweat!

The first show of the day was Ingrid Starnes. There was a subtle buzz of excitement backstage when I arrived at 9am to help. The Starnes/Pound team were taking it in their stride, the models were all a little giddy as they prepared for their first walk down the runway for NZFW 2011 and the Fashion Week Crew were all deadly focused on producing a flawless first show. Which indeed it was.

The botanical wonders hanging at the back of the catwalk were a genious instillation by Xanthe White and set the tone perfectly for the playful and slightly dream like feel of the show. I watched it on the monitor from backstage (which is why I only have a couple of photo's) as I helped slip models into delicate lace bustiers and candy coloured silk. The soundtrack was perfect and the styling divine in it's simplicity. The stand out colours in the range were unique and not trend driven and felt like a breath of fresh air.

Mt favorite piece in the collection - the Cape Dress in Cranberry - is reminiscent of the 70's in it's rich tone and draping cape neckline. The demure length and light-as-air silk georgette give it an uncomplicated sexiness.

I think that's the thing with Ingrid Starnes, nothing feels like it is trying, it's all genuine and authentic, just like the woman behind the clothes.

Seconds of Style #44: Cinemagraph

Firstly I'd like to acknowledge that I didn't make it to the end of the alphabet. 'M', I didn't make it as far as you and I'm sorry.

Secondly, I'd like to share a website that my darling partner in crime stumbled across last night, Cinemagraph. As explained by Kevin Burg and Jamie Beck on their website, "A Cinemagraph is an image that contains within itself a living moment that allows a glimpse of time to be experienced and preserved endlessly. To quote supermodel Coco Rocha "it's more than a photo but not quite a video"."

The Cinemagraph is alluring and intoxicating. The beauty of stillness and motion colliding makes the viewing experience visceral.

Check out Cinemagraph, it really won't leave you wanting!

Seconds of Style #42: Karen Walker Raises the Flag

The flagship store has been a standard concept in international retail for years. For me, Topshop on Oxford St in Central London is the epitome of flagship - the collections are the most current, there is more to shop than just own brand and the retail experience is interactive.With the recent opening of Glassons' Flagship on Broadway and Karen Walkers fresh new Flagship store, Playpark, on Nuffield St, I am thrilled that this concept is being explored in NZ. Karen Walker opened her extended Newmarket space yesterday, it houses Karen Walker label of course, a selection of Topshop clothing, footwear and cosmetics, Hunter Wellington Boots and more. The feel is a bit boutique and a bit department store. There is plenty for the eye to wander across and although it's not quite Topshop flagship a leap has been made and for an Auckland girl, it's exciting!

My favorite Karen Walker collection to date

Seconds of Style #39: Hoss Intropia SS11

It is clear that Spanish label, Hoss Intropia takes influence from the arts. Founded by Paloma Vázquez de Castro, ex-designer for the National Ballet of Spain, Hoss is a lively mixture of classic femininity, costume artistry and subtle embellishment. Hoss prints are all unique to the label with embroidery and beading still done by hand. The summer 11 collection has a wide reach - subtle classic pieces pair back seamlessly with stand out prints and embellishments synonymous with the brand. I fell in love with Hoss when I worked with London Boutique Question Air and we stocked the label, not only the clothes themselves but the story behind the brand and the visual imagery.

Seconds of Style #38: Green with Envy

It's a little bit bold, a little bit edgy and a little bit 80's - it's official, green is the new 'it' colour. It takes a front row seat this season along with other rich and regal colours like Maroon, Camel, Burnt Orange and Navy - a veritable feast of visceral hues. Bottle, mint, sage or lime - whatever hue you choose it's assured to be a hit this winter. The rich bottle greens are definitely my pick and I am just totally in love with Ruby's sheer trousers.

Blouse by Ingrid Starnes, Jumper by Arabella Ramsay, Jumpsuit by Camilla & Marc, Trousers by Ruby

Seconds of Style #33: Blak is the new Black

Cult New Zealand label Blak goes from strength to strength each season with their signature 'Basics' range and more designed collection 'Luxe'. Known for easy to wear shapes, and urban bohemian feel, Theresa Hodges is well on her way to carving a space for herself in NZ fashion royalty. Her Summer 2011 Collection (images borrowed from the lovely blog over on le-faire.com) is modern and graceful. Shapes move from wistful to strong and colours evoke hazy days of a 70's summer. Highlights are definitely the dip dyed shirt dress, bright lace shirts and girly ditsy prints.

Photo's by Olivia Hemus

Seconds of Style #32: The Alphabet Begins with the Letter A

Since I have been so neglectful of this blog for the last few months I have issued myself a challenge, 26 posts in 26 days - one day for each letter of the alphabet. I know this is not reinventing the wheel but I think it might be fun! I will mostly focus on NZ and AU fashion/design/ but some international gems and other bits and pieces might slip in. So here we go...

A is for Andrea Moore

Andrea Moore is a bit of a dark horse. With a firmly established and respected presence in NZ fashion, she goes under the radar somewhat. There is less of the 'loud advertising' approach and more of the 'educated, sophisticated and meticulously constructed collections' approach. I popped into her Ponsonby boutique last week and was carried away by the deep, rich colours, intricate construction details and clean cuts. I particularly loved her Camel Coats.