Design & Arts Raw Beauty fashion show

"Raw Beauty" Fashion & Visual Show
Design & Arts College of New Zealand 
Monday 19th October at D&A College Christchurch

These days working as an interior stylist it is the latest issue of Elle Decoration, not Vogue that sets my pulse racing. Admiring the organic lines of a Scandinavian chair wins hands down over flicking through racks of designer digs. However, I too have succumbed to frivolous flirtations with high fashion. Over the years living in London, how can one resist being swept away by the romance of the haute couture to be found in Selfridges and Sloane Square? So yes, I have to admit that I have been known to blow prohibitive amounts of money on the likes of Vanessa Bruno, Sonia Rykiel, and Vivienne Westwood. However, design and beauty are integral to both an esteemed object for the home as is an adornment for the body and my appreciation for both is high.

Although a novice to the lofty echelons of the catwalk crowd, I committed myself fully to the role of fashionista paparazza. Adopting the deliberately cool-yet-nonchalantly chic attire; an old Karen Walker tuxedo jacket over jeans with notebook in hand, I was as ready as I'd ever be to embark on my first ever fashion show.

As my guest and I were led through the throng of photographers to join the VIP seats lined with industry greats, I began to sense the sweet promise of possibility mixed with the gravitas of those around me in the privileged position to judge. After all, this is where the select one or two talented tall poppies may be catapulted into international careers overnight. My best friend since childhood, the gifted designer Shola Steele, landed a two year contract with Benetton's edgy urban street wear offshoot, Sisley, immediately following her third year showing in Otago. So it does happen.

Fighting exhaustion from the week's dramas of moving house, a marching band pounding relentlessly inside my head, I found myself squinting into the glare of the footlights. Wishing I had stayed at home wrapped in my duvet, or had at least brought my biggest pair of Chanel sunglasses a la Anna Wintour, I knew it would take something magical to coax me out of my painful lethargy.

Fortunately the evening was punctuated with glorious flickers of light. The first glimmer came in the form of Melanie Ede's enchanting 'Romantique'. Her creation was delivered by her perfectly chosen model who seemingly descended from heaven in a voluptuous bridal skirt serving as a backdrop to Ede's delicate body painted lace bodice. The facial make-up evoked the romance of the 1940s and emanated a virginal radiance. I was now officially awake.
 

The next flash of inspiration on the make-up front was encapsulated in the innocence of childhood memories revived in Penny Wang's “Every Girl Dreams of Being a Doll”.

It wasn't until third year student Susan Ng's “Five Elements on Earth” collection that I excitedly edged forward in my seat, hungry to commit to memory each intricate pleat, twist, and gather of fabric so that I may savour and luxuriate in these fine details in the days to come. I am a hard core fan and worshipper of detail. Attention to detail and dedication to perfection are Ng's foremost attributes. This is a girl who's destined for big things.



Ng's obvious rival is Wendy Kim. Kim's avant-garde take on the festive season in “The Last Story” collection is elegant with divine off-beat detailing. Kim and Ng share a devotion to detail and a polished delivery that will no doubt put them in the running for international success.

Emma Ambrose's “Cute Crimes Committed” street wear collection is in sync with what's hot on the street with its cheerfully hip and colourful creations. Watch out for this one and be first in line when Ambrose's designs hit the shelves to snap up your slice of this sweet apple pie!

To the uninitiated industry pro, yet discerning buyer, there were a few jewels to be marvelled at that evening. All I can say is that I hope to pick up a few prized pieces before these gals hit the big time and the price tags skyrocket!

For the full wedding beauty and make-up package or pampering treatment please contact Melanie at Stella Hair & Beauty on 03 962 0235 or 027 767 1004.

Story: Majka Kaiser
Photography: Kyle Williams

D&A offers over 14 qualifications across seven disciplines that are: Fine Arts, Photography, Graphic Design, Architectural Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design and Makeup Design and Production. www.dac.ac.nz