Celine Rita's beautiful little fools

The newest designers in the New Zealand fashion industry were out in force on Tuesday night in support of recent graduate Celine Chapman. Chapman showed her third collection, by her label Celine Rita, at Auckland’s latest ‘it’ location, Sale St in Freemans Bay.

A large, and noticeably young crowd, had gathered, with what appeared to be the entire AUT class of 09 in attendance. Chapman, who graduated AUT fashion in February, has already successfully launched two collections and last week showed her winter collection, Beautiful Little Fools.

The young designer launched Celine Rita straight out of University, following in the footsteps of other recent AUT graduates Alex Kim (Jaeha) and Sherie Yvonne. Less than a year later she has already established herself on the fashion scene, with her collection available both online and at Auckland stockists.

 

Celine Rita’s signature style is pretty and feminine, and attendees to the show were not left disappointed as the models strutted their stuff in candy coloured cocktail dresses and rich velvet skirts and jackets.
The attention-grabbing turquoise and pink striped garments stole the show although the more understated lace and velvet pieces were also gorgeous. Popular paper bag style skirts and high waisted shorts from her summer range were recreated in the rich blue velvet.

There was also a welcome return of her signature frills which appeared of everything to shoulders, necks, and best of all - waistcoats.
Below, ruffled cocktail dresses in one-shoulder and sleeveless styles.



The Celine Rita look is understandably youthful, given the age of the designer, but even at this early stage in her career Chapman has mastered a versatility that makes her garments appealing to a wide range of women of many different sizes.

Styles and cuts of Celine Rita garments are flattering and unashamedly feminine, offering a breath of fresh air and welcome alternative to a national industry with its roots firmly set in androgynous grunge.
Below: Cocktail and maxi length dresses.



Below: Guests packed out the Sale St bar in Freeman's Bay, Auckland held on Tuesday 26th May.



For more info on Celine Rita see celinerita.com
Story: Amanda Haxton
 

Intro photo: Tux Hika tuxhika@gmail.com
Photos: Anna Allport PHOTOGRAPHY www.annaallport.com
anna@annaallport.com 
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