A stitch in time

Stitch Ministry
Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2009
Friday 25 September

I almost didn’t get to review Stitch Ministry – it was like getting into Fort Knox. Luckily at the last minute someone saw sense in letting media in… and I was glad I got to see it. The collection this year was titled ‘Sgt Peppers’ with a muso theme of ‘edgy rock, country grunge and military’ – or understated rocker chic.’ Debbie Harry was the inspiration for designer Kylee Davis and it shows.

Their take on the fur theme that has been running all week, was blue and red! Making sure we knew that it was fake – no pretending this was real. Talk about doing it their way… Sleek padded shoulders, a little sharper than we have seen all week.

Loved the dresses and all the shoulder detailing with pearls, chains and sequins. There were some beautiful grown-up wrap dresses and some unexpected floaty numbers.

I liked the use of red tie-dying in tights and body suits just to mix it up.

I also liked the pattern designed in collaboration with artist Priyanka Pereira; a take on camo which was very pretty.

Stitch Ministry really do come into their own with their knitwear and it continues to be their strength. Long-line waistcoats and tops, all very rock chic and wearable in charcoal, red and ink blue.

Wasn’t quite as sold on their ‘couture and possum skin merino body-wear’ “wahine bikini”. Not entirely sure who is going to wear possum skin undergarments. But maybe that is just me…

Anya Brighouse